Novel phosphine ligands

ABSTRACT

The invention is concerned with new phosphine ligands of the formula I  
                 
wherein 
     R 1  and R 2  are independently of each other alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or heteroaryl, said alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or heteroaryl may be substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, —SO 2 —R 7 , —SO 3   − , —CO—NR 8 R 8′ , carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, trialkylsilyl, diarylalkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl or triarylsilyl;    R 3  is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; R 4′  and R 4  signify independently of each other hydrogen, alkyl or optionally substituted aryl; or R 4′  and R 4  together with the C-atom they are attached to form a 3-8-membered carbocyclic ring; dotted line is absent or is present and forms a double bond; R 5  and R 6  are independently of each other hydrogen, alkyl or aryl; or linked together to form a 3-8-membered carbocyclic ring or an aromatic ring; R 7  is alkyl, aryl or NR 8 R 8′ ; and R 8  and R 8′  are independently of each other hydrogen, alkyl or aryl; metal complexes with such ligands as well as the use of such metal complexes as catalysts in asymmetric reactions.

PRIORITY TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of European Application No.05110274.7, filed Nov. 2, 2005, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with new phosphine ligands, theprocess to make such ligands, metal complexes of such ligands, as wellas the use of such metal complexes as catalysts in asymmetric reactions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Phosphine ligands with chiral centers on carbon and phosphorous atomsare known in the art. A particular class of phosphine ligands isconstituted of those linked by a bridge of three carbon atoms, i.e.1,3-diphosphine ligands. Examples of 1,3-diphosphine ligands with one ortwo chiral centers on the carbon atoms of the bridge are SKEWPHOS (A)and CHAIRPHOS (B) see J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1981, 103, 2273. Another type ofchiral phosphine ligands are those where the P atom is contained in aphospholane ring such as for example in the BPE ligand (C), described inTetrahedron Asymmetry, 1991, 2,(7), 569, or in compound D, described inAngew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2002, 41(9), 1612.

The objective of the present invention is to provide further chiral1,3-diphosphine ligands with one or two chiral centers on carbon atomsof the bridge and one chiral center on the phosphorus atom, i.e. a newbidentate C,P-chiral 1,3-diphosphine ligand system which form fairlyrigid bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane type chelates with transition metals. Theprocess for synthesizing such new ligand is part of the presentinvention; it has the advantage of being very short as shown in Scheme1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are provided phosphine ligands of the formula I

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁴″, R⁵ and R⁶ are hereinafter defined.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is therefore concerned with new phosphine ligands of theformula I

wherein

-   R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting of    alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl and heteroaryl, said alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl    or heteroaryl being unsubstituted or substituted by alkyl, alkoxy,    halogen, hydroxy, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, —SO₂—R⁷, —SO₃    ⁻, —CO—NR⁸R^(8′), carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, trialkylsilyl,    diarylalkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl or triarylsilyl;-   R³ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl    and heteroaryl;-   R^(4′) and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting    of hydrogen, alkyl and aryl; or-   R^(4′) and R⁴ together with the C-atom they are attached to form a    3-8-membered carbocyclic ring;-   The dotted line is absent or is present and forms a double bond;-   R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from the group consisting of    hydrogen, alkyl or aryl; or linked together to form a 3-8-membered    carbocyclic ring or an aromatic ring;-   R⁷ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl and    NR⁸R^(8′); and-   R⁸ and R^(8′) are independently selected from the group consisting    of hydrogen, alkyl and aryl.

Compounds of formula I have at least two chiral centers, one on the Patom in the phospholane ring and one on the C2 atom of the phospholanering as indicated in formula Ia, lb, Ic and Id.

The residues R⁴, R^(4′), R⁵ and R⁶ may form additional chiral centers onthe C atom they are attached to and the residues R¹ and R² may form anadditional chiral center on the phosphorus atom they are attached to.

The following definitions of the general terms used in the presentdescription apply irrespective of whether the terms in question appearalone or in combination.

The term “alkyl” as used herein signifies straight-chain or branchedhydrocarbon groups with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 4 carbonatoms such as e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, iso-butyland tert-butyl.

Preferably the alkyl groups for R¹, R² and R³ are branched alkyl groupssuch as iso-propyl, iso-butyl and tert-butyl.

The term “alkoxy” denotes a group wherein the alkyl residue is asdefined above, and which is attached via an oxygen atom.

The term “cycloalkyl” stands for 3-to 8-membered rings, such as e.g.cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl,especially for cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl.

Said “alkyl” and “cycloalkyl” groups may be substituted by alkyl (forcycloalkyl), alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, oraryl.

The term “aryl” signifies an aromatic hydrocarbon residue, especiallythe phenyl residue, which can be unsubstituted or substituted in theortho-, meta- or para-position or multiply-substituted. Substituentswhich come into consideration are e.g. phenyl, alkyl or alkoxy groups,preferably methyl or methoxy groups, or amino, monoalkyl- ordialkylamino, preferably dimethylamino or diethylamino, or hydroxy, orhalogen such as chlorine, or trialkylsilyl, such as e.g. trimethylsilyl.

Moreover, the term “aryl” can signify naphthyl. Preferred aryl residuesare phenyl, tolyl, dimethylphenyl, di-tert-butylphenyl or anisyl.

The term “heteroaryl” signifies a 5- or 6-membered aromatic cyclecontaining one or more heteroatoms such as S, O and/or N. Examples ofsuch heteroaryl groups are furyl, thienyl, benzofuranyl or benzothienyl.

ABBREVIATIONS

BARF tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate

-   c concentration-   cod (Z,Z)-1,5-cyclooctadiene-   conv. conversion-   DABCO 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-   DBU 1,8-diazabicyclo(5,4,0)undec-7-ene-   DEAD diethyl azodicarboxylate-   DIAD diisopropyl azodicarboxylate-   ee enantiomeric excess-   EI-MS: electron impact mass spectroscopy-   EtOAc ethyl acetate-   EtOH: ethanol-   GC: gas chromatography-   h hour-   HPLC: high performance liquid chromatography-   HV: high vacuum-   m.p. melting point-   MS: mass spectroscopy-   Me-PEP 2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane-   PEP 2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane-   PMP5 2-[(diphenylphosphino)methyl]-1-phenyl-phospholane-   S/C molar substrate-to-catalyst ratio-   TBME: tert-butyl methyl ether-   TFA: trifluoroacetic acid-   THF tetrahydrofuran

For the denotation of cis- and trans configuration in the compounds ofthe invention and of related compounds the convention depicted below isadhered to:

Preferred compounds of formula I are those of formula

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R^(4′) R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R^(4′) are as definedabove.

Other preferred compounds have the formula

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R^(4′), R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R^(4′) are as definedabove.

Still other preferred compounds have the formula

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R^(4′) are as defined above.

One embodiment of the invention is compounds of formula I wherein R¹ andR² are alike and signify alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or heteroaryl, saidalkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or heteroaryl may be substituted by alkyl,alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, —SO₂—R⁷,—SO₃ ⁻, —CO—NR⁸R^(8′), carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, trialkylsilyl,diarylalkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl or triarylsilyl;

-   R³ is C₁₋₄ alkyl or aryl;-   R^(4′) and R⁴ are independently of each other hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl    or aryl;-   R⁵ and R⁶ are independently of each other hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl or    phenyl;-   the dotted line is absent; and-   R⁷, R⁸ and R^(8′) are as defined above.

Another embodiment of the invention is compounds of formula I, wherein

-   R¹ and R² are alike and signify aryl;-   R³ is tert-butyl or phenyl;-   R^(4′) and R⁴ are independently of each other hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl    or aryl;-   R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen; and the dotted line is absent.

Another embodiment of the invention is compounds of formula I, wherein

-   R¹ and R² are alike and signify aryl;-   R³ is phenyl;-   R⁴, R^(4′) are independently of each other hydrogen, methyl or    phenyl;-   R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen; and the dotted line is absent.

Anther embodiment of the invention is compounds of formula I, wherein

-   R¹ and R² are alike and signify phenyl;-   R³ is phenyl;-   R⁴, R^(4′) are independently of each other hydrogen, methyl or    phenyl;-   R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen; and the dotted line is absent.

Another embodiment of the invention is compounds of formula Ie or If,wherein

-   R¹ and R² are alike and signify alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or    heteroaryl, said alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or heteroaryl may be    substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, amino, mono- or    dialkylamino, aryl, —SO₂—R⁷, —SO₃ ⁻, —CO—NR⁸R^(8′), carboxy,    alkoxycarbonyl, trialkylsilyl, diarylalkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl or    triarylsilyl;-   R³ is C₁₋₄ alkyl or aryl;-   R⁵ and R⁶ are independently of each other hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl or    phenyl;-   the dotted line is absent; and-   R⁷, R⁸ and R^(8′) are as defined above.

Another embodiment of the invention is compounds of formula Ie or If,wherein

-   R¹ and R² are alike and signify aryl;-   R³ is ter-butyl or phenyl;-   R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen; and the dotted line is absent.

Another embodiment of the invention is compounds of formula Ie or If,wherein

-   R¹ and R² are alike and signify phenyl;-   R³ is phenyl;-   R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen; and the dotted line is absent.

Still another embodiment of the invention is compounds of formula I,which compounds are:

-   (S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-Diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;-   (S_(P),S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;-   (S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;-   (S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;-   (R_(P),R,R)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;-   (R_(P),R,S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;-   (S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;-   (S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;-   (R_(P),R,R)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;    or-   (R_(P),R,S)-cis-2(2-diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;    or    the enantiomers of these compounds

The ligands of formula I are prepared according to the followingreaction schemes:

Step 1

The phospholane borane complex 1 is metallated with a metallationreagent, such as an aryl or alkyl lithium reagent or a lithium amidereagent and subsequently reacted with a non-chiral epoxide EP, such asethylene oxide or isobutylene oxide, or with an optically activeepoxide, such as (R)- or (S)-propylene oxide, (R)- or (S)-styrene oxideor similar epoxides to give trans-2-hydroxyethyl-phospholanes as amixture of isomers 2a and 2b. Metallation reagents may be phenyl-butyl-,sec- and tert-butyllithium or the like, or lithium-di-iso-propylamide,lithium-2,2,6,6,-tetramethylpiperidide or the like. The metallation maytake place in the presence of a complexing agent such asN,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-ethylene-diamine, sparteine or the like. In apreferred version sec-butyllithium is used as the metallation reagent inthe presence of (−)-sparteine.

Step 2

The mixture of isomeric trans-2-hydroxyethyl-phospholanes 2a and 2b isconverted to a corresponding mixture of sulfonates 3a and 3b accordingto general procedures well known in the literature, e.g. in the case ofR═CH₃ by reaction with mesyl anhydride or chloride and a base in anorganic solvent. Sulfonates with R=alkyl (e.g. methyl or ethyl) andR=aryl (e.g. p-tolyl, p-nitrophenyl, p-bromophenyl) and the like areprepared in this way. In a preferred version mesyl anhydride is used asthe reagent in the presence of Hünig's base in dichloromethane to give amixture of sulfonates 3a and 3b (R═CH₃).

Step 3

Diastereomerically and enantiomerically pure sulfonates 3a and 3b areisolated either by a crystallization procedure or by another separationmethod such as preparative HPLC. Each of compounds 3a and 3b is thenseparately carried through step 4 to step 6 as depicted in Scheme 1 anddescribed below.

Step 4

The sulfonates 3a and 3b are each separately treated with a phosphineR¹R²PH in the presence of a base, such as t-BuOK, t-BuONa, n-BuLi, NaHor the like in an organic solvent. The residues in the phosphine R¹R²PHare as defined above for formula I. The reaction mixture is then treatedwith a borane delivering agent, such as e.g. the borane-tetrahydrofurancomplex, the borane-N,N-diethylaniline complex, theborane-dimethysulfide complex or the like to give the desireddiphosphines as the bis-borane complexes 4a and 4b. In a preferredversion the sulfonate 3a or 3b (R═CH₃) is reacted with a phosphineR¹R²PH in the presence of t-BuOK as the base in tetrahydrofuran as thesolvent, followed by treatment with borane-tetrahydrofuran complex togive the bis(borane) complex 4a or 4b.

Step 5

The deboronation is achieved by treatment of the bis(borane) adducts 4aand 4b with an amine base such as e.g., 1,4,-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane(DABCO), pyrrolidine, diethylamine or the like or by treatment with anacid such as HBF₄ or the like in an organic solvent to give the free1,3-diphosphines Ia and Ib. In a preferred version the diphosphines Iaand Ib are obtained from the bis(borane) adducts 4a and 4b by treatmentwith DABCO in toluene.

Step 6

The cis-configurated diphosphines Ic and Id are obtained on treatment ofthe trans-configurated diphosphines Ia and Ib at elevated temperaturesin an organic solvent.

In a preferred version, Ia or Ib is heated in xylene to 180-250° C.,preferably 210° C.

The separation of the isomers has been described to occur in Step 3 atthe stage of the sulfonates. It has to be understood, that within thepresent invention, the separation of the isomers can also take place atanother stage of the synthesis using conventional methods such ascrystallization, flash chromatography or preparative HPLC or the like.In this way, e.g. the isomers 2a and 2b can be separated after carryingout the reaction described under Step 1 or, alternatively e.g. theisomers 4a and 4b can be separated after carrying out the reactiondescribed under Step 4. It is clear, that in these cases the proceduredescribed under Step 3 can be omitted.

In a variation of the synthesis depicted in Scheme 1, steps 1 to 3 canbe replaced by an analogous reactions sequence starting from aphospholane-1-sulfide as shown in Scheme 1a. Phospholane-1-sulfidecompounds 1′ are known and can be prepared according to Baccolini, B.;Boga C.; Negri, U. Synlett 2000, 1685.

Step 1′

The phospholane-1-sulfide 1′ is metallated as e.g. described by Tang W.;Zhang, X. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2002, 41, 1612, with a metallationreagent, such as an aryl or alkyl lithium reagent or a lithium amidereagent and subsequently reacted with a non-chiral epoxide EP, such asethylene oxide or isobutylene oxide, or with an optically activeepoxide, such as (R)- or (S)-propylene oxide, (R)- or (S)-styrene oxideor similar epoxides to give trans-2-hydroxyethyl-phospholanes as amixture of isomers 2a and 2b. Metallation reagents may be phenyl-butyl-,sec- and tert-butyllithium or the like, or lithium-di-iso-propylamide,lithium-2,2,6,6,-tetramethylpiperidide or the like. The metallation maytake place in the presence of a complexing agent such asN,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-ethylene-diamine, sparteine or the like. In apreferred version sec-butyllithium is used as the metallation reagent inthe presence of (−)-sparteine.

Step 2′

Diastereomerically pure alcohols 2′a and 2′b are isolated either by acrystallization procedure or by another separation method such aspreparative HPLC. Each of compounds 2′a and 2′b is then separatelycarried through the subsequent steps as depicted in Scheme 1a anddescribed below.

Step 3′

The isomeric trans-2-hydroxyethyl-phospholanes 2′a and 2′b are eachseparately converted to the corresponding sulfonates 3′a and 3′baccording to general procedures well known in the literature, e.g. inthe case of R═CH₃ by reaction with mesyl anhydride or chloride and abase in an organic solvent. Sulfonates with R=alkyl (e.g. methyl orethyl) and R=aryl (e.g. p-tolyl, p-nitrophenyl, p-bromophenyl) and thelike are prepared in this way. In a preferred version mesyl chloride isused as the reagent in the presence of triethylamine in diethyl ether togive the sulfonates 3′a and 3′b (R═CH₃). Sulfonates obtained in this waycan either be isolated or without isolation directly be treated with aphosphine as described in Step 4′.

Step 4′

The sulfonates 3′a and 3′b are each separately treated with a phosphineR¹R²PH in the presence of a base, such as t-BuOK, t-BuONa, n-BuLi, NaHor the like in an organic solvent. The residues in the phosphine R¹R²PHare as defined above for formula I. The reaction mixture is then treatedwith a borane delivering agent, such as e.g. the borane-tetrahydrofurancomplex, the borane-N,N-diethylaniline complex, theborane-dimethysulfide complex or the like to give the desired boranecomplexes 4′a and 4′b. In a preferred version the sulfonate 3′a or 3′b(R═CH₃) is reacted in diethyl ether/tetrahydrofuran as the solventmixture with a phosphine R¹R²PH previously deprotonated using n-BuLi asthe base, followed by treatment with borane-tetrahydrofuran complex togive the borane complex 4′a or 4′b.

Step 5′

The borane complexes 4′a and 4′b are each separately treated with areducing agent, such as LiAlH₄, Na, Li, PBu₃, Si₂Cl₆ or the like in anorganic solvent, in order to remove the sulfur group. The resultingdiphosphine-monoborane complexes are then converted into the bis-boranecomplexes 4a and 4b using a borane delivering agent of the typementioned above. In a preferred version, the sulfur group in 4′a and 4′bis removed using Si₂Cl₆ as the reagent and the bis-borane 4a and 4b isformed using borane-tetrahydrofuran complex as the reagent.

The Bis-Borane 4a and 4b are then each Separately Converted to theDiphosphines Ia and Ib as Depicted in Scheme 1.

In a further variation of the synthesis depicted in Scheme 1, steps 1 to3 can be replaced in analogy to the way described in Scheme 1′ whilecompound 1′ which is metallated and reacted with an epoxide is not aphospholane-1-sulfide but a phospholane-1-oxide. Metallation of aphosphine oxide of this type is described in US 2004/0110975. Thephosphine oxide group in the compound corresponding to 4′ a and 4′b canbe converted to obtain bis-borane 4a and 4b using conditions asdescribed below for the conversion of compound to 12 in Scheme 2, Step7.

The Compounds of Formula I, wherein R⁴ and R⁴′ are Hydrogen can bePrepared Alternatively According the Reaction Schemes 2 and 3:

The synthesis depicted in scheme 2 is described as follows. The startingmaterial, cis-hydroxy compound 5 is synthesized according to Bodalski,R.; Janecki, T.; Glowka, M. Phosphorus and Sulfur 1982, 14, 15.

Step 1

The trans-hydroxy intermediate (6) is synthesized from the cis one bythe Mitsunobu inversion of its carbinol centre (Mitsunobu, O.; Yamada,M. Bull. Chem. Soc., Jpn., 1967, 40, 2380). Diisopropylazadicarboxylate(DIAD) is used instead of diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD) and afterhydrolysis of the ester intermediate the compound 6 is obtained. In apreferred version, diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (DIAD) is used in thepresence of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, and the intermediate3,5-dinitrobenzoate is cleaved to compound 6 using K₂CO₃ in an alcohol,such as methanol or ethanol.

Step 2

The compound 7 is synthesized as a racemate by using hydroxyphospholanes6 as substrate and by employing the ortho ester variant of therearrangement (Claisen-Johnson) (Johnson, W. S; Brocksom, T. J.; Loew,P.; Rich, D. H.; Werthemann, R. A.; Arnold, R. A.; Li, T.; Faulkner, D.J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1970, 92, 4463) involving heating of 6 with excessof ethyl orthoacetate in the presence of a weak acid, such as propionicacid.

Step 2a

The optically active compound 7a is obtained by an enzymatic resolutionof the racemic compound 7 using an enzyme, such as an esterase. In apreferred version, rac-7 is enzymatically hydrolyzed at pH 7.0 in thepresence of ThermoCat Esterase E020 (ThermoGen, USA) to leave, afterapprox. 50% conversion, the desired ester 7a which is isolated in >99.5%ee as the (R,R) enantiomer. The co-produced corresponding (S,S)-acid(>99.5% ee) can be transformed into an alkyl ester using a method knownin the art. The thus prepared ester can be used to complete theanalogous synthesis (step 3 to step 8) in the (S,S) series, which isdepicted in Scheme 2 and described hereafter for the (R,R)-series.

Step 3

The double bond in the 5-membered ring of 7 is hydrogenated over ahydrogenation catalyst, such as a Pd/C catalyst to give ester 8.

Step 4

The ester 8 is reduced to the corresponding alcohol 9 by treatment witha reducing agent, such as sodium borohydride or lithium aluminum hydridein an organic solvent, such as in THF. In a preferred version, the ester8 is reduced with sodium borohydride in THF-MeOH.

Step 5

The hydroxyl group in 9 is converted into a mesyloxy group by treatmentwith methanesulfonic anhydride in the present of a base. In a preferredversion, the reaction is carried out in the presence ofN-ethyldiisopropylamine as a base, which allows pure transdiastereoisomer 10 to be obtained.

Step 6

The nucleophilic displacement of the mesyloxy group in 10 by lithiumdiphenylphosphide followed by addition of an organic solution of BH₃,such as BH₃ in THF, leads to the corresponding borane-protected adduct11.

Step 7

Stereoretentive reduction of the phosphine oxide group of compound 11with phenylsilane and treatment of the resulting phosphine with anorganic solution of BH₃, such as 1M BH₃ in THF lead todiastereomerically pure diphosphine diborane adduct 12.

Step 8

Finally, the conversion of diphosphine diborane 12 into the desireddiphosphine Ie can be readily and stereoselectively achieved by usingDABCO in benzene (cf. Imamoto, T.; Tsuruta, H.; Wada, Y,; Masuda, H.;Yamaguchi, K. Tetrahedron Lett. 1995, 36, 8271).

In the synthesis depicted in Scheme 3, the optically active startingmaterial 2-methylenephospholane-1-oxide (13) is prepared according to WO2004/050669.

Phosphinothioylacetic acid tert-butyl ester (14), the other startingmaterial, is prepared as follows and as described in the experiment partof this application:

The synthesis depicted in Scheme 3 is described as follows.

Step 1

2-Methylene-phospholane 1-oxide 13 and phosphinothioyl acetate 14 aredissolved in an organic solvent, such as benzene. The resulting mixtureis treated with a base, such as NaH to obtain the desired adduct 15.

Step 2

The tert-butyl group is removed by treatment of adduct 15 with an acid,such as formic acid to obtain acid 16.

Step 3

Decarboxylation of acid 16 in the presence of Cu₂O and an organic base,such as pyridine leads to monoxide-monosulfide 17.

Step 4

The phosphine oxide group in monoxide-monosulfide 17 is reduced withretention of configuration by a reducing agent, such as phenylsilane andconverted into the corresponding diphosphine-disulfide 18 by treatmentwith sulfur.

Step 5

Desulfurisation of the disulfide 18 with hexachlorodisilane (Si₂CL₆)(cf. Zon, G.; DeBuin, K. E.; Naumann, K.; Mislow, K. J. Am. Chem. Soc.1969, 91, 7023) with retention of configuration leads to thecorresponding diphosphine which is transformed in situ into thecorresponding diphosphine diborane 19, using an organic solution of BH₃,such as 1M BH₃ in THF.

Step 6

The conversion of diphosphine diborane 19 into the desired diphosphineIf is stereoselectively achieved by using DABCO in an organic solvent,such as toluene (cf. Imamoto, T.; Tsuruta, H.; Wada, Y,; Masuda,H.;Yamaguchi, K. Tetrahedron Lett. 1995, 36, 8271).

The optically active ligands of formula I form complexes with transitionmetals, especially with transition metals of Group VIII, such asruthenium, rhodium, iridium, palladium and nickel. These complexes canbe used as catalysts in asymmetric reactions such as hydrogenations andenantioselective hydrogen displacements in prochiral allylic systems.Preferably the metal complexes are used in their isolated forms for thehydrogenations. Alternatively, the complexes may be prepared in situ.

These catalysts, i.e. the complexes of a transition metal and the chiraldiphosphine ligands of formula I, are novel and are likewise an objectof the present invention.

The aforementioned transition metal complexes, especially the complexeswith metals of group VIII can be represented e.g. by the followingformula II and III indicated below:M_(m)L_(n)X_(p)A_(q)  IIwherein

-   M stands for a transition metal,-   L stands for the diphosphine compound of formula I;    wherein-   X is a coordinating anion such as e.g. Cl, Br or I-   m, n and p are each 1, and-   q is O, if M is Rh;    or-   X is acyloxy, such as e.g. acetoxy, trifluoroacetoxy or pivaloyloxy,-   m and n are each 1,-   p is 2, and-   q is 0, if M is Ru;    or-   X is Cl,-   m and n are each 2,-   p is 4,-   q is 1, and-   A is triethylamine, if M is Ru;    or-   X is a π-methallyl group,-   m and n are each 1,-   p is2, and-   q is 0, if M is Ru;    or-   X is a coordinating anion such as e.g. Cl, Br or I,-   m, n and p are each 1, and-   q is 0, if M is Ir;    or-   X is Cl,-   m and n are each 1,-   p is 2, and-   q is 0, if M is Pd;    or-   X is Cl, Br or I,-   m and n are each 1,-   p is 2, and-   q is 0, if M is Ni.    [M_(m)L_(n)X_(p)A_(q)]D_(r)  III    wherein-   M stands for a transition metal, and-   L stands for the diphosphine compound of formula I;    wherein-   X is a diene ligand such as cod or nbd,-   D is a non-coordinating anion such as e.g. BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆,    CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF,-   m, n, p and r are each 1, and-   q is 0, if M is Rh;    or-   X is an olefinic ligand such as e.g. cyclooctene or ethylene,-   D is a non-coordinating anion such as e.g. BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆,    CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF,-   m, n and r are each 1,-   p is 2 and-   q is 0, if M is Rh;    or-   X is Cl, Br or I,-   A is benzene p-cymene,-   D is Cl, Br or I, and-   m, n, p, q and r are each 1, if M is Ru;    or-   D is a non-coordinating anion such as e.g. BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆,    CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF,-   m and n are each 1,-   p and q are each 0, and-   r is 2, if M is Ru;    or-   X is a diene ligand such as cod or nbd,-   D is a non-coordinating anion such as e.g. BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆,    CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF,-   m, n, p and r are each 1, and-   q is 0, if M is Ir;    or-   X is an olefinic ligand such as e.g. cyclooctene or ethylene,-   D is a non-coordinating anion such as e.g. BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆,    CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF,-   m, p and r are each 1,-   n is 2, and-   q is 0, if M is Ir;    or-   X is a π-allyl group,-   D is a non-coordinating anion such as e.g. BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆,    CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF,-   m, n, p and r are each 1, and-   q is 0, if M is Pd.

Ph stands for a phenyl group, cod stands for (Z,Z)-1,5-cyclooctadiene,nbd stands for norbornadiene, and BARF stands fortetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate. π-Methallyl and π-allylstand for anionic ligands of the structures H₂C═C(Me)-CH₂ andH₂C═CH—CH₂.

Preferred transition metal complexes and methods for making suchcomplexes are described below.

A ruthenium complex can be prepared, for example, by reaction of the Ruprecursors [Ru(cod)(OCOCF₃)₂]₂, [Ru(cod)(OCOCF₃)₂]₂H₂O,[Ru(cod)(OCOCH₃)₂] or [Ru₂(cod)₂Cl₄(CH₃CN)] and the ligand of formula Iin an inert solvent for example in ethers such as tetrahydrofuran ordiethyl ether or mixtures thereof, or in dichloromethane as described inthe literature (B. Heiser, E. A. Broger, Y. Crameri, Tetrahedron:Asymmetry 1991, 2, 51).

Another method for preparing a ruthenium complex comprises, for example,the reaction of the ruthenium precursor [Ru(cod)(methallyl)₂] with aligand of the formula I in a nonpolar solvent such as e.g. hexane ortoluene or mixtures thereof as described in J. P. Genet, S. Mallart, C.Pinel, S. Juge, J. A. Laffitte, Tetrahedron: Asymmetry, 1991, 2, 43.

In situ preparation of ruthenium complexes can be performed for exampleby reaction of the ruthenium precursor [Ru(cod)(methallyl)₂] with aligand of the formula I in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid inmethanol as described in the literature (B. Heiser, E. A. Broger, Y.Crameri, Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 1991, 2, 51).

A ruthenium complex can also be prepared, for example, by heating[Ru(cod)Cl₂]n and the ligand of formula I at reflux by use of toluene asa solvent in the presence of triethylamine as described in theliterature (T. Ikariya, Y. Ishii, H. Kawano, T. Arai, M. Saburi, and S.Akutagawa, J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1985, 922). Further a rutheniumcomplex can be prepared, for example, by heating [Ru(p-cymene)I₂]₂ andthe ligand of formula I with stirring in a methylene chloride/ethanolmixture in accordance with the method described in the literature (K.Mashima, K. Kusano, T. Ohta, R. Noyori, H. Takaya, J. Chem. Soc., Chem.Commun. 1989, 1208)

Preferred ruthenium complexes are

-   Ru(OAc)₂(L), [Ru(OCOCF₃)₂(L)]₂, Ru₂Cl₄(L)₂NEt₃,    [RuCl(benzene)(L)]Cl,-   [RuBr(benzene)(L)]Br, [RuI(benzene)(L)]I, [RuCl(p-cymene)(L)]Cl,    [RuBr(p-cymene)(L)]Br, [RuI(p-cymene)(L)]I, [Ru(L)](BF₄)₂,    [Ru(L)](ClO₄)₂, [Ru(L)](PF₆)₂[Ru(L)](BPh₄)₂.

A rhodium complex can be prepared, for example, by reaction of rhodiumprecursors such as [Rh(cod)Cl]₂, [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂, [Rh(cod)₂]SbF₆,[Rh(cod)₂]BF₄, [Rh(cod)₂]ClO₄ with the ligand of formula I in accordancewith the method described in “Experimental Chemistry, 4th edition” Vol.18, Organometallic Complexes, pp. 339-344, Ed. Chemical Society ofJapan, 1991, Maruzen.

Preferred rhodium complexes are

-   Rh(L)Cl, Rh(L)Br, Rh(L)I, [Rh(cod)(L)]SbF₆, [Rh(cod)(L)]BF₄,    [Rh(cod)(L)]ClO₄,-   [Rh(cod)(L)]PF₆, [Rh(cod)(L)]BPh₄, [Rh(cod)(L)]BARF,    [Rh(nbd)(L)]SbF₆, [Rh(nbd)(L)]BF₄,-   [Rh(nbd)(L)]ClO₄,-   [Rh(nbd)(L)]PF₆, [Rh(nbd)(L)]BPh₄.

An iridium complex can be prepared, for example, by reacting the ligandof formula I with [Ir(cod)(CH₃CN)₂]BF₄ or with [Ir(cod)Cl]₂ inaccordance with the method described in the literature (K. Mashima, T.Akutagawa, X. Zhang, H. Takaya, T. Taketomi, H. Kumobayashi, S.Akutagawa, J. Organomet., Chem. 1992, 428, 213).

Preferred iridium complexes are

-   Ir(L)Cl, Ir(L)Br, Ir(L)I, [Ir(cod)(L)]BF₄, [Ir(cod)(L)]ClO₄,-   [Ir(cod)(L)]PF₆, [Ir(cod)(L)]BPh₄, [Ir(nbd)(L)]BF₄,    [Ir(nbd)(L)]ClO₄,-   [Ir(nbd)(L)]PF₆, [Ir(nbd)(L)]BPh₄

A palladium complex can be prepared, for example, by reaction of theligand of formula I with π-allylpalladium chloride in accordance withthe method described in a literature (Y. Uozumi and T. Hayashi, J. Am.,Chem. Soc. 1991, 113, 9887).

Preferred palladium complexes are

-   PdCl₂(L), [Pd(π-allyl)(L)]BF₄, [(Pd(π-allyl)(L)]ClO₄,    [(Pd(π-allyl)(L)]PF₆, [(Pd(π-allyl)(L)]BPh₄

A nickel complex can be prepared, for example, by dissolving the ligandof formula I and nickel chloride in an alcohol such as isopropanol orethanol or mixtures thereof and heating the solution with stirring inaccordance with the method described in “Experimental Chemistry, 4thedition” Vol. 18, Organometallic Complexes, pp. 376, Ed. ChemicalSociety of Japan, 1991, Maruzen.

Preferred examples of nickel complexes are NiCl₂(L), NiBr₂(L) andNiI₂(L).

The transition metal complexes prepared as described above can be usedas catalysts for asymmetric reactions, in particular for asymmetrichydrogenation reactions.

The following examples serve to illustrate the invention and do not inany manner represent a limitation.

All experiments were carried out under an atmosphere of deoxygenatedargon. Solvents were dried and distilled under argon before use. Themetal diphosphine complexes were prepared using Schlenk techniques.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of rac-trans-4-hydroxy-1-phenyl-2-phospholene1-oxide

DIAD (6.2 mL, 30.9 mmol) was added dropwise at 0° C. to a stirredsolution of TPP (7.87 g, 30.9 mmol), 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid (6.36 g,30.9 mmol) and cis-4-hydroxy-1-phenyl-2-phospholene 1-oxide (3.96 g,20.4 mmol) in diethyl ether (300 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred1 h at 0° C. and allowed to warm up and stirred at rt for two days.After that time the white sediment was filtered and washed with diethylether. The washed sediment was dissolved in methanol and 0.3 g of K₂CO₃was added into obtained suspension. The reaction mixture was stirred atroom temperature until hydrolysis was complete. The solvent wasevaporated and the crude product was purified by column chromatography(hexane:ethyl acetate:methanol 5:3:1). Total yield 3.31 g (84%), ofrac-trans-4-hydroxy-1-phenyl-2-phospholene 1-oxide, white crystals,mp=115-116° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane): ¹H NMR (500 MHz), δ: 2.23-2.34(ddd, J=4.5, J=15.8, J=20.3, 1H), 2.74-2.83 (ddd, J=4.1, J=7.7, J=15.8,1H), 4.85-4.95 (m, 1H), 5.6 (d, J=9.4, 1H), 6.29-6.40 (ddd, J=1.6,J=8.2, J=22.0, 1H), 7.11-7.25 (ddd, J=2.2, J=8.2, J=37.2, 1H), 7.4-7.6(m, 5H); ¹³C NMR (126 MHz), δ: 37.25 (d, J=66.9), 71.8 (d, J=16.8),126.7 (d, J=89.0), 128.8 (d, J=12.4), 130.2 (d, J=10.8), 131.8 (d,J=100), 132.1 (d, J=2.8), 155.6 (d, J=18.5); ³¹P NMR (202 MHz), δ: 55.4;MS HR (EI): calcd for C₁₀H₁₁O₂P: 194.04967 found, 194.05024; Elementalanal. Calcd for C₁₀H₁₁O₂P: C. 61.91, H, 5.71, found C, 62.09, H, 5.65.

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis ofrac-trans-2-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-1-phenyl-3-phospholene 1-oxide

rac-trans-4-Hydroxy-1-phenyl-2-phospholene 1-oxide (3.8 g, 19.6 mmol)was refluxed in toluene with triethyl orthoacetate (40 mL, 222 mmol) andpropionic acid (0.26 mL). After five days the solution was evaporatedand the residue was purified by flash chromatography (hexane:ethylacetate:methanol 5:3:0.5). Yield 4.43 g (85%), ofrac-trans-2-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-1-phenyl-3-phospholene 1-oxide, yellowoil: ¹H NMR (500 MHz), δ: 1.2 (t, J=7.1, 3H), 2.55-2.65 (ddd, J=17.2,J=13.7, J=8.2, 1H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 2H), 2.90-3.0 (ddd, J=17.2, J=9.6,J=7.1, 1H), 3.1-3.2 (m, 1H), 4.0-4.2 (m, 2H), 5.95-6.1 (m, 2H), 7.4-7.8(m, 5H); ¹³C NMR (126 MHz), δ: 14.1, 33.1, 33.85 (d, J=66.6), 39.5 (d,J=68.5), 60.8, 127.25 (d, J=10.2), 128.65 (d, J=11.7), 129.75 (d,J=9.6), 131.95 (d, 2.9), 132.65 (d, J=13.8), 133.5 (d, J=92.8), 171.78(d, J=10.2); ³¹P NMR (202 MHz), δ: 55.25. MS HR (ES): m/z=calcd 287.0808(M+Na⁺, C₁₄H₁₇O₃NaP), found 287.0812 (M+Na⁺, C₁₄H₁₇O₃NaP).

EXAMPLE 2a Enzymatic resolution ofrac-trans-2-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-1-phenyl-3-phospholene 1-oxide

21.00 g (77.88 mmol) ofrac-trans-2-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-1-phenyl-3-phospholene 1-oxide (98%)was emulsified in 6.75 L 0.1 M sodium chloride, 4 mM sodium phosphate pH7.0 by vigorous stirring. 260 mg of ThermoCat Esterase E020 (ThermoGen;Chicago, USA) was added and the pH kept constant by the controlledaddition (pH-stat) of 1.0 M sodium hydroxide solution under vigorousstirring. After nearly 50% conversion (21 h) the reaction mixture wasextracted with 3×8 L dichloromethane and the combined organic phasesdried (sodium sulfate) and evaporated to give the retained ester in 97%ee. The aqueous phase was acidified to pH 1.9 (conc. hydrochloric acid)and extracted with 4×6 L ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases weredried (sodium sulfate), evaporated and the residue dried on HV to give8.85 g (48.1%) of(S,S)-trans-2-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-1-phenyl-3-phospholene 1-oxide aswhite solid: Analytics: MS: 235.1 (M−H); 99.4% (HPLC; 226 nm); 99.7% ee(methylated; GC on BGB-172; 30 m×0.25 mm; H₂ 150 kPa; 130-240° C. with2° C./min; inj. 220° C.; det. 240° C.).

The retained (R,R)-ester was submitted to further hydrolysis in analogyto the procedure above until >99.5% ee were attained. After drying on HV10.62 g (51.6%) of ethyl(R,R)-trans-2-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-1-phenyl-3-phospholene 1-oxide wasobtained as a yellow-brownish oil: Analytics: EI-MS: 265.1 (48%), 264.1(88%), 235.1 (36%), 219.1 (100%); 97.5% (HPLC; 226 nm); >99.8% ee (seeabove). The absolute configuration of the (S,S)-acid was established byX-ray determination.

EXAMPLE 3 Hydrogenation of(R,R)-trans-2-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-1-phenyl-3-phospholene 1-oxide

4.5 g of (R,R)-trans-2-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-1-phenyl-3-phospholene1-oxide (17 mmol) was dissolved in 100 mL of methanol and the mixturewas poured into Parr bottle. Argon was passed through the bottle for 10minutes, and 0.15 g of Pd/C was carefully added. The bottle wasinstalled in the Parr apparatus and hydrogen pressure of 4 atm. wasapplied followed by shaking of the reaction mixture overnight. Afterthat the mixture was filtered through Celite, concentrated and theresidue was purified by flash chromatography (hexane:ethylacetate:methanol 5:3:1). Total yield 4.28 g (95%), of(R,R)-trans-2-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-1-phenylphospholane 1-oxide, yellowoil: ¹H NMR (500 MHz), δ: 1.1 (t, J=7.1, 3H), 1.7-1.85 (m, 2H),1.95-2.15 (m, 1H), 2.15-2.4 (m, 4H), 2.49-2.59 (ddd, J=8.3, 13.1, 17.0,1H), 2.78-2.86 (ddd, J=6.4, J=8.8, J=17.0, 1H), 3.95-4.1 (m, 2H),7.44-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.68-7.75 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (126 MHz), δ: 14.0, 23.3(d, J=6.0), 30.0 (d, J=67.0), 31.6 (d, J=10.1), 32.5 (d, J=1.2), 36.2(d, J=69.1), 60.6, 128.6 (d, J=11.7), 129.9 (d, J=9.6), 131.7 (d,J=2.9), 133.6 (d, J=90.3), 172.1 (d, J=11.1); ³¹P NMR (202 MHz), δ:57.27; MS HR (ES): m/z=calcd 289.0964 (M+Na⁺, C₁₄H₁₉O₃NaP), found289.0980 (M+Na⁺, C₁₄H₁₉O₃NaP); [α]_(D)=+18.75 (c 1.10, CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of(R,R)-trans-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane 1-oxide

Methanol (14 mL) was added over a period of 1 h to the refluxing mixtureof (R,R)-trans-2-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-1-phenylphospholane 1-oxide (4.8g, 18.1 mmol) and NaBH₄ (1.41 g, 36.2 mmol) in THF (10 mL). After theaddition of MeOH the reaction mixture was refluxed for one hour. Afterthis time the solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified byflash chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate:methanol 5:3:1).Total yield3.97 g (98%), of (R,R)-trans-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane1-oxide, white crystals, mp=126-126.5° C. (ethylacetate/hexane/methanol): ¹H NMR (500 MHz), δ: 1.72-1.97 (m, 3H),2.01-2.33 (m, 6H), 3.31-3.36 (dd, J=5.35, J=5.70, 1H), 3.54-3.36 (m,1H), 3.68-3.77 (m, 1H), 7.48-7.52 (m, 3H), 7.71-7.76 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR(126 MHz), δ: 23.35 (d, J=6.1), 29.7 (d, J=66.85), 31.15 (d, J=2.6),31.6 (d, J=10.7), 38.7 (d, J=67.7), 60.55 (d, J=4.9), 128.5 (d, J=11.5),129.8 (d, J=9.5), 131.6 (d, J=2.9), 133.7 (d, J=88.85); ³¹P NMR (202MHz), δ: 60.8; MS HR (LSIMS(+)): m/z=calcd 225.10444 (M+H⁺, C₁₂H₁₈O₂P),found 225.10502 (M+H⁺, C₁₂H₁₈O₂P); Elemental anal. Calcd for C₁₂H₁₇O₂P:C, 64.32, H, 7.65, found C, 63.93, H, 7.20; [α]_(D)=+29.11 (c 1.07,CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of(R,R)-trans-2-(2-methylsulfonyloxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane 1-oxide

1.52 g (6.79 mmol) of (R,R)-trans-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane1-oxide was dissolved in 50 mL of dry CH₂Cl₂ and cooled to 0° C. Next10.6 mL of N-ethyldiisopropylamine and 1.78 g (10.2 mmol) ofmethanesulfonic anhydride were added. The reaction mixture was stirred 1h at 0° C. and allowed to warm up and stirred at rt overnight. Thesolvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by flashchromatography (isopropanol:hexane 1:1). Total yield 1.91 g (93%), of(R,R)-trans-2-(2-methylsulfonyloxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane 1-oxide,yellow oil: ¹H NMR (500 MHz), δ: 1.69-1.94 (m, 2H), 2.0-2.17 (m, 3H),2.2-2.36 (m, 4H), 2.7 (s, 3H), 4.17-4.24 (ddd, J=5.1, J=7.5, J=10.1,1H), 4.26-4.33 (dt, J=5.7, J=10.1, 2H), 7.45-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.69-7.77 (m,2H); ¹³C NMR (126 MHz), δ: 23.6 (d, J=5.65), 27.7, 30.2 (d, J=66.7),31.6 (d, J=10.0), 36.8, 68.7 (d, J=7.15), 128.9 (d, J=11.5), 129.9 (d,J=9.6), 132.0 (d, J=2.6); ³¹P NMR (202 MHz), δ: 57.62; MS HR (ES):m/z=calcd 325.0634 (M+Na⁺, C₁₃H₁₉O₄NaPS), found 325.0650 (M+Na⁺,C₁₃H₁₉O₄NaPS); [α]_(D)=−5.28 (c 0.63, CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of(R,R)-trans-2-[(2-diphenylphosphinoborane)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane1-oxide

1.68 mL (9.76 mmol) of Ph₂PH was dissolved in 20 ml of dry THF, cooledto −78° C. and 7.3 mL (9.12 mmol) of n-BuLi was added. To the resultingdeeply red mixture a solution of 2.12 g (7.0 mmol) of(R,R)-trans-2-(2-methylsulfonyloxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane 1-oxide in15 mL was added. The reaction mixture was stirred 1 h at −78° C.,allowed to warm up and stirred at rt for 2 hours. After this time 14 mLof borane in THF (1M) was added and this mixture was stirred overnight.The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by flashchromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate:methanol 5:3:0.5). Yield 3.87 g(80%), of(R,R)-trans-2-[(2-diphenylphosphinoborane)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane1-oxide, colourless oil: ¹H NMR (500 MHz), δ: 0.5-1.4 (b, 3H), 1.63-1.81(m, 2H), 1.86-2.26 (m, 8H), 2.51-2.63 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.19 (m, 1H),7.22-7.59 (m, 10H), 7.66-7.79 (m, 4H); ¹³C NMR (126 MHz), δ: 22. (d,J=2.1), 23.3 (d, J=6.0), 24.1 (dd, J=5.2, J=37.0), 30.3 (d, J=66.3),31.7 (d, J=10.65), 41.45 (dd, J=12.1, J=68.0), 128.6-129.0 (m), 129.7(d, J=55.5), 129.8 (d, 9.6), 129.8 (d, J=2.5), 131.2 (d, J=2.8), 131.9(d, J=9.05), 132.4 (d, J=9.2), 134.3 (d, J=87.7); ³¹P NMR (162 MHz), δ:16.05 (b), 57.2; MS HR (ES): m/z=calcd 429.1679 (M+Na⁺, C₂₄H₂₉BONaP₂),found 429.1679 (M+Na⁺, C₂₄H₂₉BONaP₂); [α]_(D)=+64.99 (c 1.075, CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 7 Synthesis of(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-diborane

2.17 g (5.35 mmol) of(R,R)-trans-2-[(2-diphenylphosphinoborane)ethyl]-1-phenyl-phospholane1-oxide was dissolved in 8 mL of toluene and 3.8 ml (26.7 mmol) ofPhSiH₃ was added. The reaction mixture was heated at 45° C. for twodays. Then 10 mL of borane in THF (1 M) was added and this mixture wasstirred overnight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue waspurified by flash chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1). Total yield1.62 g (75%), of(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-diborane, white crystals mp=114-114.5° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane): ¹HNMR (500 MHz), δ: 0.3-1.4 (bt, 6H, 2×BH₃), 1.51-1.63 (m, 1H), 1.78-2.30(m, 8H), 2.35-2.47 (m, 1H), 2.55-2.67 (m, 1H), 7.33-7.38 (m, 2H),7.40-7.57 (m, 9H), 7.69-7.78 (m, 4H); ¹³C NMR (126 MHz), δ: 23.8 (d,J=5.5), 24.9 (dd, J=4.8, J=36.9), 26.0, 27.5 (d, J=39.1), 34.4 (d,J=6.9), 42.4 (dd, J=12.6, J=33.6), 128.7 (d, J=54.8), 128.7 (d, J=10.0),128.8 (d, J=11.1), 129.0 (d, J=9.6), 129.9 (d, J=55.55), 131.0 (d,J=2.4), 131.3 (d, J=2.5), 131.4(d, J=2.4), 131.6 (d, J=8.9), 131.8 (d,J=9.0), 132.7 (d, J=9.2); ³¹P NMR (202 MHz), δ: 17.6 (b), 32.9 (b); MSHR (ES): m/z=calcd 427.2058 (M+Na⁺, C₂₄H₃₂B₂NaP₂), found 427.2084(M+Na⁺, C₂₄H₃₂B₂NaP₂); Elemental anal. Calcd for C₂₄H₃₂P₂B₂ C, 71.35, H,7.98, found C, 71.20, H, 7.28; [α]_(D)=+71.09 (c 0.73, CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane{(S_(P),R)-trans-PEP}

190 mg of(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-diborane was dissolved in 6 ml of benzene and 323 mg of DABCO wasadded. The mixture was stirred at rt overnight. The solvent wasevaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on Al₂O₃(hexane/ethyl acetate 20:1) to afford 141 mg (80%), of(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane,colourless oil: ¹H NMR (500 MHz), δ: 1.0-1.1 (m, 1H), 1.42-1.9 (m, 8H),2.11-2.21 (m, 1H), 2.23-2.33 (m, 1H), 2.37-2.47 (m, 1H), 7.0-7.12 (m,9H), 7.32-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.46-7.55 (m, 4H); ¹³C NMR (126 MHz), δ: 26.65(d, J=13.35), 27.9 (d, J=3.4), 28.7 (t, J=13.2), 31.8 (dd, J=17.15,J=29.8), 35.3, 46.2 (t, J=12.6), 127.6-128.4 (m), 128.5 (d, J=5.3),128.6 (d, J=1.6), 128.7 (d, J=1.3), 128.72 (d, J=1.1), 131.1 (d,J=16.1), 133.1 (d, J=3.8), 133.2 (d, J=3.65), 139.5 (d, J=14.6), 139.9(d, J=14.6), 142.9 (d, J=24.4); ³¹P NMR (162 MHz), δ: −16.16, −4.66; MSHR (ES): m/z=calcd 377.1583 (M+H⁺, C₂₄H₂₇P₂), found 377.1565 (M+H⁺,C₂₄H₂₇P₂).

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of (R_(P),S)-Cis-2-[(2-diphenylthiophosphinoyl)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane 1-oxide

1 g (5.2 mmol) of (R)-2-methylene-1-phenylphospholane 1-oxide and 2 g(6.24 mmol) of (diphenylphosphinothioyl)-acetic acid tert-butyl esterwere dissolved in 16 mL of benzene. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and156 mg (7.72 mmol) of NaH was added. The mixture was stirred 30 minutesat 0° C. and allowed to warm up and stirred at rt for 24 hours. Afterthat time the solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified byflash chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate:methanol 5:3:1). The obtainedmixture of diastereoisomers was dissolved in 20 mL of formic acid andstirred at rt overnight. Then the formic acid was evaporated and theresidue was dissolved in 15 mL of pyridine and 104 mg of Cu₂O was added.The resulting mixture was refluxed for 12 hours. After that time thesolution was evaporated and the residue was purified by flashchromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate:methanol 5:3:1). Total yield 0.96 g(42%), of(R_(P),S)-cis-2-[(2-diphenylthiophosphinoyl)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane1-oxide, white crystals, mp=173-173.5° C. (ethylacetate/hexane/methanol): ¹H NMR (500 MHz), δ: 1.2-1.35 (m, 1H),1.41-1.54 (m, 1H), 1.9-2.14 (m, 4H), 2.15-2.35 (m, 5H), 2.42-2.54 (m,1H), 7.24-7.3 (m, 2H), 7.34-7.52 (m, 8H), 7.56-7.7.62 (m, 1H), 7.62-7.73(m, 4H); ¹³C NMR (126 MHz), δ: 21.4, 22.1 (d, J=5.0), 28.4 (d, J=67.2),30.9 (dd, J=4.3, J=56.15), 32.2 (d, J=13.1), 44.1 (dd, J=17.1, J=66.2),128.2 (d, J=12.2), 128.3 (d, J=12.3), 128.4 (d, J=11.1), 130.3 (d,J=10.2), 130.5-130.6 (m), 130.7 (d, J=21.6), 130.9 (d, J=2.9), 131.1 (d,J=2.9), 131.35 (d, J=27.4), 131.7 (d, J=2.8), 132.75 (d, J=81.1); ³¹PNMR (202 MHz), δ: 42.4, 61.2; MS HR (ES): m/z=calcd 447.1072 (M+Na⁺,C₂₄H₂₆ONaP₂S), found 447.1052 (M+Na⁺, C₂₄H₂₆ONaP₂S); Elemental anal.Calcd for C₂₄H₂₄P₂OS: C, 67.99, H, 6.18, S, 7.55, found C, 67.87, H,6.31, S, 7.85; [α]_(D)=+66.30 (c 0.745, CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of(R_(P),S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-disulfide

2.8 g (6.6 mmol) of(R_(P),S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)sulfido-1-phenylphospholane1-oxide was dissolved in 8 mL of toluene and 5.0 mL (35.1 mmol) ofPhSiH₃ was added. The reaction mixture was heated at 45° C. for twodays. Then the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in 5mL of benzene and 1 g of S₈ was added. This mixture was stirred at rtovernight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified byflash chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1). Yield 2.45 g (84%), of(R_(P),S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-disulfide, white crystals, mp=139-140° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane): ¹HNMR (500 MHz), δ: 1.24-1.38 (m, 1H), 1.54-1.66 (m, 1H), 1.89-2.07 (m,1H), 2.08-2.49 (m, 6H), 2.5-2.7 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.4-7.51 (m,8H), 7.54-7.6 (m, 1H), 7.66-7.74 (m, 2H), 7.82-7.9 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (126MHz), δ: 22.3, 23.7 (d, J=3.5), 30.95 (dd, J=4.2, J=55.9), 34.4 (d,J=10.1), 35.3 (d, J=54.1), 51.0 (dd, J=16.5, J=51.9), 128.5-128.7 (m),130.1 (d, J=66.2), 130.8 (d, J=10.2), 130.9 (d, J=10.2), 131.2 (d,J=2.9), 131.4 (d, J=2.9), 131.8 (d, J=9.6), 131.9 (d, J=9.8), 133.2 (d,J=81.2); ³¹P NMR (162 MHz), δ: 43.7, 60.7; MS HR (ES): m/z=calcd441.1024 (M+H⁺, C₂₄H₂₇P₂S₂), found 441.1046 (M+H⁺, C₂₄H₂₇P₂S₂);Elemental anal. Calcd for C₂₄H₂₆P₂S₂ C, 65.51, H, 5.95, S, 14.54, foundC, 65.18, H, 5.77, S, 14.86; [α]_(D)=+46.50 (c 0.97, CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of(S_(P),S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-diborane

2.24 g (5.09 mmol) of(R_(P),S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-disulfide was dissolved in 35 mL of toluene and 7 mL (40.7 mmol) ofSi₂Cl₆ was added. The reaction mixture was heated at 60° C. for 4 hours.After the time the solution was cooled to room temperature and 40 mL of30% aqueous NaOH was slowly added to the reaction mixture in anice-water bath. The resulting mixture was then stirred at rt until theaqueous layer became clear. The two phases were separated. The waterphase was washed twice with toluene (2×30 mL). The combined toluenelayers were dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The residue wasredissolved in 10 mL of benzene and 15 mL of borane in THF (1 M) wasadded and this mixture was stirred overnight. The solvent was evaporatedand the residue was purified by flash chromatography (hexane:ethylacetate 2:1). Yield 1.98 g (88.8%), of(S_(P),S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-diborane, white crystals, mp=123-124° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane): ¹HNMR (500 MHz), δ: 0.3-1.13 (bt, 6H, 2×BH₃), 1.15-1.29 (m, 1H), 1.49-1.6(m, 1H), 1.63-1.86 (m, 2H), 2.01-2.32 (m, 7H), 7.22-7.29 (m, 4H),7.34-7.45 (m, 6H), 7.46-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.63-7.68 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (126MHz), δ: 23.3, 24.7 (dd, J=3.7, J=39.6), 24.9, 26.5 (d, J=37.1), 35.0,42.7 (dd, J=14.9, J=34.6), 127.1 (d, J=43.0), 128.4 (d, J=61.9), 128.7(d, J=8.3), 128.8 (d, J=8.4), 128.9 (d, J=9.6), 129.5 (d, J=55.6), 130.9(d, J=2.3), 131.1 (d, J=2.3), 131.52 (d, J=2.9), 131.8 (d, J=9.2), 131.9(d, J=9.3), 133.05 (d, J=8.7); ³¹P NMR (202 MHz), δ: 17.1 (b), 31.2 (b);MS HR (ES): m/z=calcd 427.2058 (M+Na⁺, C₂₄H₃₂B₂NaP₂), found 427.2054(M+Na⁺, C₂₄H₃₂B₂NaP₂); Elemental anal. Calcd for C₂₄H₃₂P₂B₂ C, 71.35, H,7.98, found C, 71.31, H, 8.32; [α]_(D)=+86.60 (c 0.885, CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of(S_(P),S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane{(S_(P),S)-cis-PEP}

This ligand was prepared analogously as described for(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane inExample 8. Yield 96%, colourless oil: ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 1.00-1.70 (m,5H), 1.80-2.15 (m, 5H), 2.20-2.35 (m, 1H), 6.95-7.25 (m, 10H), 7.35-7.50(m, 5H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz), δ: 22.71 (d, J=12.83), 24.92 (d, J=3.02),25.81 (dd, J=2.26, J=18.11), 27.82 (dd, J=6.04, J=12.83), 32.02 (d,J=5.28), 43.46 (t, J=14.34), 126.70-127.50 (m), 131.62 (d, J=18.11),131.89 (d, J=19.62), 132.75 (d, J=18.87), 136.03 (d, J=27.17), 138.12(d, J=15.10), 138.65 (d, J=15.10); ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: −15.86, −11.51.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation oftrans-2-[(2-hydroxy-methyl)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane 1-borane

1 g (5.6 mmol) of 1-phenylphospholane 1-borane and 1.57 g (6.72 mmol) of(−)-sparteine were dissolved in 35 mL of dry Et₂O. This mixture wascooled to −78° C. and 6.1 mL (6.72 mmol) of sec-BuLi was added. Thismixture was stirred 0.5 hour at −78° C. and then 5 mL of (S)-propyleneoxide was added. The resulting yellow mixture was stirred 4.5 hours at−78° C. and allowed to warm up, whereafter the solvent was evaporated.The residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂, washed twice with 1 M HCl, driedover MgSO₄ and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified byflash chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1).Yield 1 g (73%), of amixture of two diastereoisomers (2:1), colourless oil: ¹H NMR (300 MHz),δ: 0.1-1.0 (b, 3H, BH₃), 1.15 (d, J=6.0, 3H), 1.3-2.7 (m, 10H), 3.7-3.9(m, 1H), 7.4-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.65-7.9 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz), δ: 24.08,24.14, 26.05, 26.13, 27.13 (d, I=39.2), 27.58 (d, J=40.0), 33.64 (d,J=7.5), 34.78 (d, J=7.5), 37.1, 37.5, 38.8-39.1 (m), 66.82 (d, J=9.1),67.25 (d, J=5.3), 128.78 (d, J=9.8), 128.91 (d, J=9.8), 131.03, 131.11(d, J=3.0), 131.32, 131.56 (d, J=9.0), 131.60 (d, J=9.0), 131.92; ³¹PNMR (121 MHz), δ: 31.7-33.8 (b); MS HR (ES): m/z=calcd 259.1395 (M+Na⁺,C₁₃H₂₂BNaOP), found 259.1405 (M+Na⁺, C₁₃H₂₂BNaOP).

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-[(2-methyl-methylsulfonyloxy)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane1-borane

1.33 g (5.6 mmol) oftrans-2-[(2-hydroxy-methyl)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane 1-borane (twodiastereomers) was dissolved in 37 mL of dry CH₂Cl₂ and cooled to 0° C.Then 8.5 mL of N-ethyldiisopropylamine and 1.46 g (8.4 mmol) ofmethanesulfonic anhydride were added. The reaction mixture was stirred 1h at 0° C. allowed to warm up and stirred at rt overnight. The solventwas evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography(hexane:ethyl acetate:methanol 5:3:1). The crystalline mixture of twodiastereoisomers was recrystallized from ethyl acetate/hexane. The whitecrystals formed after standing overnight. ¹H NMR monitoring showed thatthe resulting crystals contained a single diastereoisomer.

Yield 0.82 g (46%, de=100%), of(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-[(2-methyl-methylsulfonyloxy)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane1-borane, white crystals, mp=114-115° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane): ¹H NMR(300 MHz), δ: 0.1-1.2 (b, 3H, BH₃), 1.36 (d, J=6.0, 3H), 1.4-1.7 (m,1H), 1.8-2.3 (m, 6H), 2.4-2.6 (m, 2H), 2.97 (s, 3H), 4.8-5.0 (m, 1H),7.4-7.6 (m, 3H), 7.7-7.9 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz), δ: 21.45, 26.09,26.87 (d, J=39.2), 33.26 (d, J=7.55), 36.26 (d, J=36.2), 36.56 (d,J=6.79), 38.86, 78.21 (d, J=12.1), 129.02 (d, J=9.81), 130.60 (d,J=45.3), 131.43 (d, J=3.02), 131.58 (d, J=9.06); ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ:33.36-33.91 (b); [α]_(D)=+53.96 (c 1.03, CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of (S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-diborane

0.32 mL (1.91 mmol) of Ph₂PH was dissolved in 6 mL of THF, cooled to−78° C. and 212 mg (1.91 mmol) of t-BuOK was added. This mixture wasstirred 10 min at this temperature. To the resulting orange mixture asolution of 0.5 g (1.59 mmol) of(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-[(2-methyl-methylsulfonyloxy)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane1-borane in 6 mL of THF was added. The reaction mixture was stirred 2hours at −78° C. and allowed to warm up and stirred at rt 1 hour. Afterthis time 3 mL of borane in THF (1M) was added and this mixture wasstirred overnight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue waspurified by flash chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1). Yield 339mg (51%, 100% de), of(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-diborane, white crystals, mp=175.5-176° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane):¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 0.11-1.00 (b, 6H, 2×BH₃), 1.11-1.17 (dd, J=6.0,J=18.0, 3H), 1.25-1.60 (m, 2H), 1.65-2.25 (m, 7H), 2.40-2.60 (m, 1H),7.25-7.75 (m, 15H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz), δ: 25.87, 26.87 (d, J=38.5), 27.97(d, J=9.81), 28.43 (d, J=8.30), 31.12 (dd, J=3.02, J=6.79), 33.38 (d,J=6.79), 38.83 (dd, J=7.55, J=33.97), 127.66, 128.00, 128.38, 128.69 (d,J=1.51), 128.82 (d, J=1.51), 128.96 (d, J=9.81), 130.94, 131.16-131.32(m), 131.54, 131.71 (d, J=9.06), 132.72 (d, J=5.28), 132.84 (d, J=4.53);³¹P NMR δ: (121 MHz), δ: 25.11-25.67 (b), 33.69-34.23 (b); MS (IS):m/z=436.2 (M+NH₄+, C₂₅H₃₈B₂NP₂); [α]_(D)=+103.3 (c 1.00, CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of (S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane{(S_(P),R,R)-trans-Me-PEP}

1.66 g of(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-diborane was dissolved in 70 mL of toluene and 3 g of DABCO wasadded. The mixture was stirred at rt for two days. The solvent wasevaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on Al₂O₃(hexane:ethyl acetate 20:1), to afford 1.48 g (95.7%), of(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane,white solid: ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 0.80-1.00 (m, 1H), 1.09 (dd, J=9.00,J=3H), 1.45-2.00 (m, 7H), 2.45-2.52 (m, 2H), 6.95-7.25 (m, 9H),7.30-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.50-7.52 (m, 4H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz), δ: 16.76 (d,J=14.34), 26.23 (d, J=14.34), 27.70 (d, J=3.02), 30.23 (dd, J=12.88,J=13.59), 39.48 (dd, J=18.87, J=32.46), 42.28 (dd, J=11.32, J=12.83),128.45-128.75 (m), 128,89, 131.01 (d, J=16.61), 133.78 (d, J=18.87),134.38 (d, J=19.62), 137.67 (d, J=17.36), 138.19 (d, J=16.61), 142.85(d, J=25.66); ³¹P NMR δ: 12.50, 13.16.

EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of (S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-[(2-methyl-methylsulfonyloxy)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane1-borane

This compound was prepared analogously as described for(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-[(2-methyl-methylsulfonyloxy)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane1-borane in Example 13-14 but starting from (R)-propylene oxide.(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-[(2-methyl-methylsulfonyloxy)ethyl]-1-phenyl-phospholane1-borane (Diastereomer B) was obtained as a yellow oil (yield=80%,de=80%), after removing (R_(P),S,R)-trans-2-[(2-methyl-methylsulfonyloxy)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane1-borane (Diastereomer A) by crystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane.

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholaneP,P-diborane

This compound was prepared analogously as described for the conversionof(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-[(2-methyl-methylsulfonyloxy)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane1-borane in Example 15. Yield 32% (de=100%), white crystals,mp=149-149.5° C.; ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 0.15-1.40 (b, 6H, 2×BH₃), 0.70(dd, J=6.00, J=18.01, 3H), 1.45-1.70 (m, 1H), 1.70-2.30 (m, 7H),2.35-2.60 (m, 1H), 2.90-3.15 (m, 1H), 7.30-7.55 (m, 8H), 7.70-7.85 (m,4H), 7.90-8.10 (m, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz), δ: 26.18, 26.78 (dd, J=3.77,J=36.23), 3.93 (dd, J=3.77, J=5.28), 35.43 (d, J=7.55), 39.06 (d,J=12.83), 39.51 (d, J=13.59), 127.81 (d, J=53.59), 128.62 (d, J=5.28),128.75 (d, J=5.28), 129.06 (d, J=9.06), 129.31, 130.95-131.10 (m),131.26 (d, J=2.26), 131.43 (d, J=131.57 (d, J=9.06), 132.43 (d, J=9.06),133.28 (d, J=8.30); ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 24.87-25.41 (b), 28.99-29.42(b); MS (IS): m/z=436.6 (M+NH₄+, C₂₅H₃₈B₂NP₂) [α]_(D)=+94.03 (c 0.982,CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of(S_(p),R,S)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane{(S_(P),R,S)-trans-Me-PEP

This compound was prepared analogously as described for the preparationof(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholanein Example 16. Yield 98%, colourless oil: ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: ¹³C NMR(75 MHz), δ: 15.99 (d, J=17.36), 26.26 (d, J=13.59), 27.53 (d, J=3.77),30.16 (t, J=11.32), 38.92 (dd, J=18.11, J=25.66), 42.40 (d, J=11.32),42.56 (d, J=12.08), 128.20-128.65 (m), 131.14 (d, J=16.60), 133.92 (d,J=3.02), 133.96 (d, J=19.62), 134.18 (d, J=2.26), 137.90 (d, J=15.10),138.23 (d, J=15.85), 142.31 (d, J=24.15); ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: −6.67,0.02.

EXAMPLE 20 Epimerization of(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenyl-phospholane

A solution of 150 mg of(S_(p),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenyl-phospholanein 7 mL of xylene was heated at 210° C. for 20 h (in a closed tube).Then the mixture was cooled to rt, 1 mL of H₂O₂ (15%) was added andobtained mixture was stirred at rt overnight. The organic phase wasseparated, dried over MgSO₄, the solvent was evaporated to afford amixture of (S_(P),R,R)-trans-Me-PEP dioxide (³¹P NMR: δ37.74, 63.46;85%), and (R_(P),R,R)-cis-Me-PEP dioxide (³¹P NMR: δ37.93, 63.46; 15%).

EXAMPLE 21 Epimerization of(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane{(S_(P),R,S)-trans-Me-PEP}

A solution of 140 mg of(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenyl-phospholanein 7 mL of xylene was heated at 210° C. for 20 h (in a closed tube).Then the mixture was cooled to rt, 1 mL of BH₃-THF reagent (Aldrich) wasadded, and the obtained mixture was stirred at rt overnight. The solventwas evaporated and afforded a mixture of (S_(P),R,S)-trans-Me-PEPbis(borane), (³¹P NMR: δ29.05 (vbs), 25.2 (vbs), and(R_(P),R,S)-cis-Me-PEP bis(borane), (³¹P NMR: δ32.35 (vbs), 33.95 (vbs).

EXAMPLE 22 Preparation ofrac-trans-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane 1-borane

1 g (5.6 mmol) of 1-phenylphospholane 1-borane and 1.57 g (6.72 mmol) of(−)-sparteine were dissolved in 35 mL of dry Et₂O. The mixture wascooled to −78° C. and 6.1 mL (6.72 mmol) of sec-BuLi was added. Thismixture was stirred 0.5 hour at −78° C. and then 5 mL of ethylene oxidewas added. The resulting yellow mixture was stirred 4.5 hours at −78°C., allowed to warm up to room temperature, and evaporated. The residuewas dissolved in CH₂Cl₂, washed twice with 1 M HCl, dried (MgSO₄), andconcentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flashchromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1). Yield 0.56 g (45%),colourless oil: ¹H NMR (200 MHz), δ: −0.1-1.2 (b, 3H, BH₃), 1.4-2.7 (m,10H), 3.67 (t, J=6.2, 2H), 7.4-7.6 (m, 3H), 7.7-7.9 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (50MHz), δ: 26.71, 27.79 (d, J=39.15), 33.02 (d, J=5.3), 34.54 (d, J=6.7),37.7 (d, J=34.88), 62.19 (d, J=7.7), 129.4 (d, J=9.8), 131.69 (d,J=2.5), 132.08 (d, J=8.6); ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 32.9-33.9 (b).

EXAMPLE 23 Preparation ofrac-trans-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane 1-oxide

0.5 g (2.25 mmol) of 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane 1-borane wasdissolved in 10 mL of toluene and 0.85 g of DABCO was added. The solventwas evaporated, the residue was dissolved in 30 mL of CH₂Cl₂ and 5 mL ofH₂O₂ (15%) was added. This mixture was stirred at rt overnight, theorganic phase was separated, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated undervacuum. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (hexane:ethylacetate:methanol 2:3: 1).Yield 0.45 g (90%), white crystalsmp=126-126.5° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane/methanol): ¹H NMR (500 MHz), δ:1.72-1.97 (m, 3H), 2.01-2.33 (m, 6H), 3.31-3.36 (dd, J=5.35, J=5.7, 1H),3.54-3.36 (m, 1H), 3.68-3.77 (m, 1H), 7.48-7.52 (m, 3H), 7.71-7.76 (m,2H); ¹³C NMR (126 MHz), δ: 23.35 (d, J=6.1), 29.7 (d, J=66.85), 31.15(d, J=2.6), 31.6 (d, J=10.7), 38.7 (d, J=67.7), 60.55 (d, J=4.9), 128.5(d, J=11.5), 129.8 (d, J=9.5), 131.6 (d, J=2.9), 133.7 (d, J=88.85); ³¹PNMR (202 MHz), δ: 60.8; MS HR (LSIMS(+)): m/z=calcd 225.10444 (M+H⁺,C₁₂H₁₈O₂P), found 225.10502 (M+H⁺, C₁₂H₁₈O₂P); Elemental anal. Calcd forC₁₂H₁₇O₂P: C, 64.32, H, 7.65, found C, 63.93, H, 7.20.

EXAMPLE 24 Enzymatic resolution ofrac-trans-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane 1-oxide

720 mg (3.21 mmol) of rac-trans-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane1-oxide was dissolved in 650 ml TBME and 75 ml vinyl acetate and thesolution cooled to 4° C. 720 mg of Lipase MAP-10 (Amano Enzyme Inc.,Nagoya, Jpn.) was added under stirring and the suspension agitatedgently at 4° C. After the enantiomeric excess of the retained alcoholhad reached >98% (after 6 days) the enzyme was filtered off and thefiltrate concentrated in vacuo. The residual oil was taken up in 7 mlacetonitrile/water 5:2 (white precipitate discarded) and chromatographedon Supelco ABZ⁺(12 μm, 50×250 mm; gradient: 10% to 50% B in A within 25min (A: 0.1% TFA in water; B: 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile); 100 ml/min;270nm). The fractions containing the retained alcohol were pooled,evaporated and dried on HV to give 197 mg (27.4%) of(R,R)-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-phenylphospholane 1-oxide as a white solid.Analytics: EI-MS: 225.3 (3.5%), 223.2 (10%), 194.2 (22%), 180.2 (100%);96.6% (HPLC; 270 nm); 98.5% ee (HPLC on Chiralpak-ADH; 25 cm×4.6 mm; 90%heptane/10% EtOH; 0.8 ml/min; 25° C.; 220 nm); [α]_(D)=+23.10° (c=1.134in CHCl₃). The absolute configuration was determined by chemicalcorrelation.

EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of2-[(2-hydroxy-phenyl)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane 1-borane

178 mg (1.0 mmol) of 1-phenylphospholane 1-borane and 0.28 g (1.2 mmol)of (−)-sparteine were dissolved in 8 mL of dry Et₂O. This mixture wascooled to −78° C. and 1.0 mL (1.2 mmol) of sec-BuLi was added. Thismixture was stirred 0.5 hour at −78° C. and then 1 mL of (R)-styreneoxide was added. The resulting yellow mixture was stirred for 2 h at−78° C., allowed to warm up to room temperature, and stirred for anadditional 2 h. The solvent was evaporated, the residue was dissolved inCH₂Cl₂, washed twice with 1 M HCl, dried (MgSO₄), and concentrated undervacuum. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (hexane:ethylacetate 2:1).Yield 0.11 g (37.5%), colourless oil: ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ:31.9 (vbs); MS (ESI): m/z=316.5 (M+NH₄ ⁺, C₁₈H₂₈BNOP).

EXAMPLE 25 A Preparation of 1-phenylphospholane-1-sulfide

1 g (5.6 mmol) of 1-phenylphospholane 1-borane was dissolved in 25 mL ofbenzene and 2.2 g of DABCO was added. The mixture was stirred at rtovernight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in40 mL toluene and 1.4 g of S₈ was added. This mixture was stirredovernight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified byflash chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1). Yield 1.065 g (97%),white crystals, mp=74° C. (methanol): ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 1.95-2.12 (m,2H), 2.15-2.35 (m, 4H), 2.35-2.50 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.85-7.95(m, 2H),³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 58.45. Elemental anal. Calcd for C₁₀H₁₃PS:C, 61.20, H. 6.68, found C. 61.25, H, 6.66.

EXAMPLE 25 B Preparation of2-[(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane-1-sulfide

0.38 g (1.94 mmol) of 1-phenylphospholane 1-sulfide and 0.54 g (2.33mmol) of (−)-sparteine were dissolved in 8 mL of dry THF. This mixturewas cooled to −78° C. and 5.1 mL (7 mmol) of sec-BuLi was added. Thismixture was stirred 0.5 hour at −78° C. and then 0.46 mL (3.88 mmol) of(R)-styrene oxide was added. The resulting brown mixture was stirred 2.5hours at −78° C. and allowed to warm up, thereafter the solvent wasevaporated. The residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂, washed twice with 1 MHCl, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated under vacuum. The residue waspurified by flash chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1). Yield 0.315g (51.5%), of a mixture of two diastereoisomers (1.25:1), as colourlessoil and white crystals. Diastereoisomer A: white crystals, mp=141° C.(methanol); [α]_(D)=−30.5 (c 1.02, CHCl₃). ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ:1.75-1.85 (m, 2H), 2.05-2.15 (m, 2H), 2.15-2.35 (m, 2H), 2.45-2.65 (m,3H), 4.80-4.85 (dd, J=2.87, J=2.76, 1H), 7.10-7.30 (m, 5H), 7.45-7.60(m, 3H), 7.90-8.00 (m, 2H), ¹³C NMR (75 MHz), δ:25.7, 25.73 (d, J=3.32),33.98, 34.12 (d, J=10.78), 37.41, 38.13 (d, J=54.32), 39.09 (s), 39.53,40.22 (d, J=51.83), 72.42, 72.46 (d, J=3.52), 125.72 (s), 127.52 (s),128.61 (s), 128.92, 129.08 (d, J=11.40), 130.93, 131.06 (d, J=9.54),131.79, 131.83 (d, J=3.11), 133.92, 134.85 (d, J=70.28), 144.67 (s), ³¹PNMR (121 MHz), δ: 61.46. Elemental anal. Calcd for C₁₈H₂₁OPS: C, 68.33,H, 6.69, found C, 68.63, H, 6.73; Diastereoisomer B: colourless oil;[α]_(D)=−29.7 (c 1.65, CHCl₃). ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 1.75-1.90 (m, 2H),2.0-2.1 (m, 1H), 2.15-2.50 (m, 5H), 2.60-2.75 (m, 1H), 4.55-4.65 (dd,J=5.39, J=5.18, 1H), 7.05-7.15 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.30 (m, 3H), 7.50-7.60 (m,3H), 7.85-7.95 (m, 2H), ¹³C NMR (75 MHz), δ: 25.63, 25.68 (d, J=3.52),33.49, 33.63 (d, J=10.57), 37.08, 37.80 (d, J=54.52), 38.99 (s), 40.97,41.66 (d, J=52.45), 73.60, 73.69 (d, J=6.84), 126.32 (s), 127.94 (s),128.79 (s), 128.98, 129.143 (d, J=11.19), 130.98, 131.12 (d, J=9.74),131.89, 131.93 (d, J=3.11), 133.63, 134.57 (d, J=71.52), 144.46 (s), ³¹PNMR (121 MHz), δ: 62.49.

EXAMPLE 25 C Preparation of2-{[2-diphenylphosphino(borane)-2-phenyl]ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane-1-sulfide(diastereomer A)

94 mg (0.297 mmol) of 2-[(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane-1-sulfide (diastereomer A) was dissolved in 5 mL ofdry Et₂O and cooled to −20° C. Then, 0.34 mL of triethylamine and 0.028mL (0.35 mmol) of methanesulfonic chloride were added. The reactionmixture was stirred 2 h at −20° C. The mixture was then cooled to −78°C., taken up without precipitate into a syringe, and was added to aPh₂PLi solution prepared from 0.153 mL (0.89 mmol) of Ph₂PH and 0.73 mL(0.91 mmol) of n-BuLi in 4 mL of THF at −78° C. The resulting mixturewas stirred 2 h at −78° C. and was then allowed to warm up and stirredat rt 1 hour. After this time 2 mL of borane in THF (1M) was added andthis mixture was stirred overnight. The solvent was evaporated and theresidue was purified by flash chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1).Yield 19 mg (12.8%), of2-{[2-diphenylphosphino(borane)-2-phenyl]ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane-1-sulfide,white crystals, mp=165° C. (methanol); [α]_(D)=+72.04 (c 0.825, CHCl₃).³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 24.55-26.05 (m), 58.15, 58.16 (d, J=1.85).

EXAMPLE 25 D Preparation of2-{[2-diphenylphosphino(borane)-2-phenyl]ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane-1-sulfide(diastereomer B)

This compound was prepared analogously as described for the preparationof2-{[2-diphenylphosphino(borane)-2-phenyl]ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane-1-sulfide(diastereomer A) but starting from2-[(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane-1-sulfide(diastereomer B). Yield (4.5%), of2-[(2-diphenylphosphinoborane-2-phenyl)ethyl]-1-phenylphospholane-1-sulfide,white crystals, mp=193° C. (methanol); [α]_(D)=+75.01 (c 0.765, CHCl₃).¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 1.55-1.80 (m, 2H), 1.90-2.05 (m, 1H), 2.05-2.30 (m,4H), 2.45-2.60 (m, 2H), 3.71, 3.72, 3.75, 3.76, 3.77, 3.80, 3.81 (m,1H), 7.0-7.80 (m, 20H), ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 24.45-26.00 (m), 61.91,61.93 (d, J=1.86).

EXAMPLE 25 E Preparation of2-{[2-diphenylphosphino(borane)-2-phenyl)ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane-1-borane(diastereomer A)

15 mg (0.03 mmol) of2-{[2-diphenylphosphino(borane)-2-phenyl]ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane-1-sulfide(diasteroisomer A) was dissolved in 0.3 mL of benzene and 0.032 mL (0.18mmol) of Si₂Cl₆ was added. The reaction mixture was heated at 60° C. for1.5 h. The solution was cooled to rt and 5 mL of 30% aqueous NaOH wasslowly added to the reaction mixture immersed in an ice-water bath. Theresulting mixture was then stirred at rt until the aqueous layer becameclear. The two phases were separated. The water phase was washed twicewith toluene (2×30 mL). The combined toluene layers were dried overMgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was redissolved in 4 mLof benzene and 0.2 mL of borane in THF (1 M) was added and this mixturewas stirred overnight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue waspurified by flash chromatography. Yield 10.8 mg, (75%). mp=169° C.(methanol); [α]_(D)=+110.5 (c 0.265, CHCl₃). ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ:23.31-26.2 (m), 27.32-29-65 (m).

EXAMPLE 25 F Preparation of2-{[2-diphenylphosphino(borane)-2-phenyl)et]yl}-1-phenylphospholane-1-borane(diastereomer B)

This compound was prepared analogously as described for the preparationof2-{[2-diphenylphosphino(borane)-2-phenyl)ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane-1-borane(diastereomer A) but starting from2-{[2-diphenylphosphino(borane)-2-phenyl]ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane-1-sulfide(diasteroisomer B). Yield: 82%. mp=189° C. (methanol); [α]_(D)=+58.67 (c0.375, CHCl₃). ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 23.5-26.0 (m), 33.84-36.08 (m).

EXAMPLE 25 G Preparation of2-[(2-diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl)ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane(diastereomer A)

5.3 mg (0.012 mmol) of2-{[2-diphenylphosphino(borane)-2-phenyl)ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane-1-borane(diasteroisomer A) was dissolved in 0.5 mL of toluene and 35 mg of DABCOwas added. The mixture was stirred at rt for one day. Evaporation of themixture gave the free diphosphine. Yield: 100%. ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ:1.29, −6.49.

EXAMPLE 25 H Preparation of2-[(2-diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl)ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane(diastereomer B

11 mg (0.022 mmol) of2-{[2-diphenylphosphino(borane)-2-phenyl)ethyl}-1-phenylphospholane-1-borane(diastereoisomer B) was dissolved in 0.6 mL of toluene and 35 mg ofDABCO was added. The mixture was stirred at rt for one day. Evaporationof the mixture gave the free diphosphine. Yield: 100%. ³¹P NMR (121MHz), δ: 0.29 (d, J=1.88), 0.01 (d, J=1.88).

EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)hexafluoroantimonate{[Rh(cod)((S_(P),R)-trans-PEP)]]SbF₆}

To a suspension of [Rh(cod)₂]SbF₆ (148.0 mg, 0.27 mmol) in THF (6 mL) ina 25 mL Schlenk tube, was added dropwise at −78° C. a solution of(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane (100.5mg, 0.27 mmol) in THF (2 mL). The mixture was allowed to warm andstirred at room temperature during 2 h. After this time the solvent wasevaporated. The yellow powder was washed twice with hexane and dried for12 h in high vacuum affording 210 mg (94%) of[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(diphenylphosphinoethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)hexafluoroantimonate,yellow powder: ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 1.45-1.70 (m, 3H), 1.75-2.70 (m,17H), 4.15-4.28 (b, 1H), 4.30-4.45 (b, 1H), 4.55-4.65 (b, 1H), 7.40-4.65(m, 13H), 7.70-7.85 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz), δ: 24.29, 24.55, 24.76,24.89, 25.21 (d, J=10.57), 26.10-26.40 (m), 30.05, 30.36 (d, J=15.10),33.19 (d, J=3.02), 39.85-40.00 (m), 40.27 (dd, J=1.51, J=4.53),98.60-99.00 (m), 100.00-100.40 (m), 101.24 (d, J=6.79), 101.36 (d,J=7.55), 102.35-102.65 (m), 129.23 (d, J=9.81), 129.44 (d, J32 6.04),129.57 (d, J=6.79), 130.43, 130.55, 131.12, 131.69 (d, J=3.77), 131.92(d, J=2.26), 132.25, 132.27 (d, J=9.81), 133.18 (d, J=35.47), 134.23 (d,J=12.08); ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 17.64 (dd, J=51.02, J=140.93), 24.76(dd, J=52.24, J=137.28); ESI MS m/z: 822-235 (M-SbF₆)⁺; Elemental anal.Calcd for C₃₂H₃₈P₂SbF₆Rh: C, 46.69, H, 4.65, F, 13.85, P, 7.52 found C,46.84, H. 4.79, F, 13.43, P, 7.22

Preparation of[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),S)-cis-2-(diphenylphosphinoethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)hexafluoroantimonate{[Rh(cod)((S_(P),S)-cis-PEP)]SbF₆}

The[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),S)-cis-2-(diphenylphosphinoethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)hexafluoroantimonatewas prepared according to the procedure described in Example 26 a)starting from(S_(P),S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane. Yield92%, yellow powder; ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 1.50-1.65 (m, 1H), 1.72-2.80(m, 20H), 4.20-4.35 (b, 1H), 4.15-4.30 (b, 1H), 5.10-5.20 (b, 1H),5.35-5.50 (b, 1H), 5.52-5.65 (b, 1H), 7.20-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.65 (m,9H), 7.70-7.90 (m, 4H); ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 9.88 (dd, J=50.50,J=142.90), 23.13 (dd, J=50.30, J=140.90); ESI MS m/z: 822-235 (M-SbF₆)⁺;Elemental anal. Calcd for C₃₂H₃₈P₂SbF₆Rh: C, 46.69, H, 4.65, F, 13.85,P, 7.52 found C. 47.18, H, 4.63, F, 13.20, P, 6.84.

Preparation of[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl-ethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)hexafluoroantimonate{[Rh(cod)-(S_(P),R,R)(trans-Me-PEP)]SbF₆}

The[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl-ethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)hexafluoroantimonatewas prepared according to the procedure described in Example 26 a)starting from(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane.Yield 94%, orange powder: ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 1.31 (dd, J=6.00,J=12.00, 3H), 1.50-2.2.90 (m, 18H), 4.10-4.45 (b, 2H), 4.95-5.15 (b,1H), 5.00-5.20 (b, 1H), 7.40-7.65 (m, 11H), 7.70-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.90-8.00(m, 2H); ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 22.76 (dd, J=49.81, J=134.85), 26.52 (dd,J=49.81, J=140.93); ESI MS (+) m/z: 601 (M-SbF₆)⁺; ESI MS (−) m/z: 235(SbF₆)⁻.

Preparation of[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl-ethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)hexafluoroantimonate{[Rh(cod)((S_(P),R,S)-trans-Me-PEP)]SbF₆}

The[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl-ethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)hexafluoroantimonatewas prepared according to the procedure described in Example 26 a)starting from(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane.Yield 94%, orange powder: ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 0.95 (dd, J=6.00,J=12.00, 3H), 1.15-1.45 (m, 2H), 1.50-2.85 (m, 20H), 4.05-4.20 (b, 1H),4.45-4.55 (b, 1H), 4.60-4.75 (b, 1H), 5.25-5.45 (b, 1H), 7.30-7.45 (m,2H), 7.50-7.60 (m, 6H), 7.60-7.75 (m, 3H), 7.85-7.95 (m,2H), 7.95-8.15(m, 2H); ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 26.00 (dd, J=48.10, J=139.80), 32.25 (dd,J=48.30, J=139.81); ESI MS (+) m/z: 601 (M-SbF₆)⁺.

Preparation of[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)tetrafluoroborate{[Rh(cod)((S_(P),R)-trans-PEP)]BF₄}

The[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)tetrafluoroboratewas prepared according to the procedure described in Example 26 a) butwith [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄ as a precursor. Yield 95%, yellow powder: ¹H NMR (300MHz), δ: 1.00-2.80 (m, 20H), 4.15-4.25 (b, 1H), 4.30-4.40 (b, 1H),4.55-4.65 (b, 1H), 5.20-5.40 (b, 1H), 7.35-7.65 (m, 13H), 7.70-7.95 (m,2H); ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 17.88 (dd, J=51.02, J=142.14), 24.69 (dd,J=51.02, J=136.07); ESI MS m/z: 674-87 (M-BF₄)⁺.

Preparation of[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),S)-cis-2-(diphenylphosphinoethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)tetrafluoroborate{[Rh(cod)((S_(P),S)-cis-PEP)]BF4}

The[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),S)-cis-2-(diphenylphosphinoethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)tetrafluoroboratewas prepared according to the procedure described in Example 26 a)starting from(S_(P),S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane as aligand and [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄ as a precursor. Yield 94%, orange powder: ¹HNMR (300 MHz), δ: 1.40-2.80 (m, 20H), 4.20-4.40 (b, 1H), 4.60-4.80 (b,1H), 5.05-5.20 (b, 1H), 5.40-5.55 (b, 1H), 7.30-7.65 (m, 11H), 7.70-7.95(m, 4H); ³¹P NMR (121 MHz), δ: 10.06 (dd, J=52.24, J=144.57), 22.43 (dd,J=52.24, J=140.93); ESI MS m/z: 674-87 (M-BF₄)⁺.

Preparation of[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate{[Rh(cod)((S_(P),R)-trans-PEP)]BARF}

The[(η²-1,2,5,6)-1,5-cyclooctadiene][(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl-κP)-(1-phenylphospholane-κP)]rhodium(I)tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]boratewas prepared according to the procedure described in Example 26 a) butwith [Rh(cod)₂]BARF as a precursor and toluene as a solvent. Yield 95%,yellow powder: ¹H NMR (300 MHz), δ: 1.30-1.65 (m, 3H), 1.70-2.65 (m,16H), 4.20-4.35 (b, 1H), 4.40-4.50 (b, 1H), 4.55-4.65 (b, 1H), 5.10-5.30(b, 1H), 7.05-7.32 (m, 4H), 7.35-7.65 (m, 14H), 7.70-7.95 (m, 9H); ³¹PNMR (121 MHz), δ: 17.15 (dd, J=51.02, J=140.93), 25.61 (dd, J=49.81,J=136.07); ESI MS (+) m/z: 587 (M-BARF)⁺; ESI MS (−) m/z: 863 (BARF)⁻.

EXAMPLES OF HYDROGENATIONS

The Hydrogenation Experiments were Carried as Follows:

In a glove box, an autoclave with a 20 mL glass tube insert equippedwith a magnetic stirring bar was charged with the hydrogenationsubstrate (1 mmol), anhydrous degassed solvent (7 mL) and the metalcomplex pre-catalyst (0.01 mmol). After 10 cycles of evacuation andfilling with hydrogen, the autoclave was pressurised to an appropriateinitial pressure of hydrogen. The reaction mixture was stirred at roomtemperature and after the appropriate time the autoclave was opened, thereaction mixture was filtered through silica gel, concentrated and theresidue was analysed by enantioselective GC.

EXAMPLE A

Hydrogenation of α-acetamidoacrylic acid and methyl α-acetamidoacrylate,respectively, using an isolated pre-catalyst [Rh(Ligand)(cod)]SbF₆ (withcis-PEP, trans-PEP, (S_(P),R,R)-Me-PEP and (S_(P),R,S)-Me-PEP as theLigand). TABLE A % Substrate Ligand Solvent conv.^(#) % ee^(#) (conf.)*

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp,R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, S)-Me-PEP MeOH MeOH MeOH MeOH THF THF 100 100 100100 100 100 30 (S) <1 (S) 30 (S) <1 (S) 31 (S) 77 (R)

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp,R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, S)-Me-PEP MeOH MeOH THF THF MeOHTHF THF 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 23 (S) 8 (R) 15 (R) 13 (R) 11 (S) 12(S) 67 (R)All reactions were performed at room temperature with a substrateconcentration of 0.14M and 1 mol % of catalyst. Reactions were completeduring 3 hours.^(#)Determined by enantiodiscriminating GC.*The absolute configuration was assigned by comparison of the sign ofoptical rotation with reported data.

EXAMPLE B

Hydrogenation of α-acetamidocinnamic acid and methylα-acetamidocinnamate, respectively, using an isolated pre-catalyst[Rh(Ligand)(cod)]SbF₆ (with cis-PEP, trans-PEP, (S_(P),R,R)-Me-PEP and(S_(P),R,S)-Me-PEP as the Ligands). TABLE B % % ee^(#) Substrate LigandSolvent conv.^(a) (conf.)*

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp, R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, S)-Me-PEPMeOH MeOH THF THF 100 100 100 100 24 (S) 34 (S) 53 (S) 39 (R)

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp,R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, S)-Me-PEP MeOH MeOH THF THF THF THF 100 100 100 100100 100  3 (R) 25 (S) 10 (R) 22 (S) 26 (S) 25 (R)All reactions were performed at room temperature with a substrateconcentration of 0.14M and 1 mol % of catalyst. Reactions were completeduring 3 hours.^(#)Determined by enantiodiscriminating GC.*The absolute configuration was assigned by comparison of the sign ofoptical rotation with reported data.

EXAMPLE C

Hydrogenation of itaconic acid and dimethyl itaconate, respectively,using an isolated pre-catalyst [Rh(Ligand)(cod)]SbF₆ (with cis-PEP,trans-PEP, (S_(P),R,R)-Me-PEP and (S_(P),R,S)-Me-PEP as the Ligands).TABLE C % % ee^(#) Substrate Ligand Solvent conv.^(#) (conf.)*

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp, R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, R)-Me-PEP(Sp, R, S)-Me-PEP MeOH MeOH MeOH THF THF 100 100 100 100 100 71 (S) 52(S) 71 (S) 87 (S) 55 (S)

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp,R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, S)-Me-PEP MeOH MeOH THF THF MeOHTHF THF 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 77 (S) 50 (S) 70 (S) 72 (S) 85 (S)90 (S) 63 (S)All reactions were performed at room temperature with a substrateconcentration of 0.14M and 1 mol % of catalyst. Reactions were completeduring 3 hours.^(#)Determined by enantiodiscriminating GC.*The absolute configuration was assigned by comparison of the sign ofoptical rotation with reported data.

EXAMPLE D

Hydrogenation of ethyl α-acetoxyacrylate and diethyl1-benzylamino-1-ethanephosphonate, respectively, using an isolatedpre-catalyst [Rh(Ligand)(cod)]SbF₆ (with cis-PEP, trans-PEP,(S_(P),R,R)-Me-PEP and (S_(P),R,S)-Me-PEP as the Ligands). TABLE D % %ee^(#) Substrate Ligand Solvent conv.^(#) (conf.)*

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp, R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, S)-Me-PEPMeOH MeOH THF THF 100  99  98  94 53 (R) 7 (R) 32 (S) 15 (R)

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp, R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, S)-Me-PEPMeOH MeOH THF THF 100 100 100 100 34 (nd) 19 (nd) 20 (nd) 30 (nd)All reactions were performed at room temperature with a substrateconcentration of 0.14M and 1 mol % of catalyst. Reactions were completeduring 3 hours.^(#)Determined by enantiodiscriminating GC.*The absolute configuration was assigned by comparison of the sign ofoptical rotation with reported data.

EXAMPLE E

Hydrogenation of acetophenone N-benzoylhydrazone andα-(acetylamino)-β,β-dimethylacrylic acid, respectively, using anisolated pre-catalyst [Rh(Ligand)(cod)]SbF₆ (with cis-PEP, trans-PEP,(S_(P),R,R)-Me-PEP and (S_(P),R,S)-Me-PEP as the Ligands). TABLE E % %ee^(#) Substrate Ligand Solvent conv.^(#) (conf.)*

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp, R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, S)-Me-PEPMeOH THF THF THF  40{circumflex over ( )}100{circumflex over( )} 99{circumflex over ( )} 99{circumflex over ( )} 29{circumflex over( )} (S) 46{circumflex over ( )} (S) 55{circumflex over ( )} (S)50{circumflex over ( )} (S)

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP (Sp, R, R)-Me-PEP (Sp, R, S)-Me-PEPMeOH THF THF THF 100 100 100 100 64 (S) <1 (R) 33 (R) 36 (S)All reactions were performed at room temperature with a substrateconcentration of 0.14M and 1 mol % of catalyst. Reactions were completeduring 3 hours.^(#)Determined by enantiodiscriminating GC.{circumflex over ( )}Determined by enantiodiscriminating HPLC.*The absolute configuration was assigned by comparison of the sign ofoptical rotation with reported data.

EXAMPLE F

Hydrogenation of α-acetamidoacrylic acid and methyl α-acetamidoacrylate,respectively, using an isolated pre-catalyst [Rh(Ligand)(cod)]BF₄ (withcis-PEP and trans-PEP as the Ligands). TABLE F Substrate Ligand %conv.^(#) % ee^(#) (conf.)*

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP 100 100 22 (S) <1 (S)

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP 100 100 28 (S) 9 (R)All reactions were performed at room temperature with a substrateconcentration of 0.14M in methanol and 1 mol % of catalyst. Reactionswere complete during 3 hours.^(#)Determined by enantiodiscriminating GC.*The absolute configuration was assigned by comparison of the sign ofoptical rotation with reported data.

EXAMPLE G

Hydrogenation of methyl α-acetamidocinnamate and ethylα-acetoxyacrylate, respectively, using an isolated pre-catalyst[Rh(Ligand)(cod)]BF₄ (with cis-PEP and trans-PEP as the Ligands). TABLEG Substrate Ligand % conv.^(#) % ee^(#) (conf.)*

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP 100 100 13 (S) 25 (S)

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP  99  99 54 (R) 7 (R)All reactions were performed at room temperature with a substrateconcentration of 0.14M in methanol and 1 mol % of catalyst. Reactionswere complete during 3 hours.^(#)Determined by enantiodiscriminating GC.*The absolute configuration was assigned by comparison of the sign ofoptical rotation with reported data.

EXAMPLE H

Hydrogenation of itaconic acid and dimethyl itaconate, respectively,using an isolated pre-catalyst [Rh(Ligand)(cod)]SbF₆ (with cis-PEP andtrans-PEP as the Ligands). TABLE H Substrate Ligand % conv.^(#) % ee^(#)(conf.)*

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP 100 100 58 (S) 49 (S)

(Sp, S)-cis-PEP (Sp, R)-trans-PEP 100 100 57 (S) 50 (S)All reactions were performed at room temperature with a substrateconcentration of 0.14M in methanol and 1 mol % of catalyst. Reactionswere complete during 3 hours.^(#)Determined by enantiodiscriminating GC.*The absolute configuration was assigned by comparison of the sign ofoptical rotation with reported data.

EXAMPLE I

Hydrogenation of dimethyl itaconate using[Rh(cod)(S_(P),R)-(trans-PEP)]BARF as the pre-catalyst. TABLE ISubstrate Solvent % conv.^(#) % ee^(#) (conf.)*

MeOH THF CH₂Cl₂Toluene EtOAc 100 100 100  79 100 50 (S) 72 (S) 65 (S) 22(S) 70 (S)All reactions were performed at room temperature with a substrateconcentration of 0.14M and 1 mol % of catalyst. Reactions were completeduring 3 hours.^(#)Determined by enantiodiscriminating GC.*The absolute configuration was assigned by comparison of the sign ofoptical rotation with reported data.

1. A Compound of formula I

wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consistingof alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or heteroaryl, said alkyl, aryl, cycloalkylor heteroaryl being unsubstituted or substituted by alkyl, alkoxy,halogen, hydroxy, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, —SO₂—R⁷, —SO₃ ⁻,—CO—NR⁸R^(8′), carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, trialkylsilyl, diarylalkylsilyl,dialkylarylsilyl or triarylsilyl; R³ is selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl; R^(4′) and R⁴ areindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl andaryl; or R^(4′) and R⁴ together with the C-atom they are attached toform a 3-8-membered carbocyclic ring; the dotted line is absent or ispresent and forms a double bond; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and aryl; R⁷ is selectedfrom the group consisting of alkyl, aryl and NR⁸R^(8′); and R⁸ andR^(8′) are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,alkyl and aryl.
 2. The Compound of claim 1, said compound having aformula selected from the group consisting of

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R^(4′), R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are as defined inclaim
 1. 3. A compound of claim 2, said compound have a formula selectedfrom the group consisting of

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R^(4′) are as defined in claim 1.4. A compound of claim 2 wherein R¹ and R² are alike and signify alkyl,aryl, cycloalkyl or heteroaryl, said alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl orheteroaryl being unsubstituted or substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, halogen,hydroxy, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, —SO₂—R⁷, —SO₃ ⁻,—CO—NR⁸R^(8′), carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, trialkylsilyl, diarylalkylsilyl,dialkylarylsilyl or triarylsilyl; R³ is C₁₋₄ alkyl or aryl; R^(4′) andR⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,C₁₋₄ alkyl and aryl; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl and phenyl; R⁷, R⁸ and R^(8′) are asdefined in claim 1 and the dotted line is absent.
 5. A compound of claim4, wherein R¹ and R² are aryl; R³ is tert-butyl or phenyl; R^(4′) and R⁴are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl and aryl; R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen and the dotted line is absent. 6.A compound of claim 4, wherein R¹ and R² are aryl; R³ is phenyl; R⁴,R^(4′) are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,methyl and phenyl; R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen; and the dotted line isabsent.
 7. A compound of claim 5, wherein R¹ and R² are phenyl; R³ isphenyl; R⁴, R^(4′) are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,methyl and phenyl; R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen; and the dotted line isabsent.
 8. A compound of claim 3, wherein R¹ and R² are alike and areselected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl andheteroaryl, said alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or heteroaryl beingunsubstituted or substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, amino,mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, —SO₂—R⁷, —SO₃ ⁻, —CO—NR⁸R^(8′), carboxy,alkoxycarbonyl, trialkylsilyl, diarylalkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl ortriarylsilyl; R³ is C₁₋₄ alkyl or aryl; R⁵ and R⁶ are independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl and phenyl;the dotted line is absent; and R⁷, R⁸ and R^(8′) are as defined inclaim
 1. 9. A compound of claim 8, wherein R¹ and R² are alike and arearyl; R³ is tert-butyl or phenyl; R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen; and the dottedline is absent.
 10. A compound of claim 9, wherein R¹ and R² are alikeand signify phenyl; R³ is phenyl; R⁵ and R⁶ are hydrogen; and the dottedline is absent.
 11. A compound of claim 1, which compounds are selectedfrom the group consisting of(S_(P),R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;(S,S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;(R_(P),R,R)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;(R_(P),R,S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;(S_(P),R,R)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;(S_(P),R,S)-trans-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;(R_(P),R,R)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;and(R_(P),R,S)-cis-2-(2-diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl)ethyl-1-phenylphospholane;or the enantiomers of these compounds.
 12. A Transition metal complexeof formula IIM_(m)L_(n)X_(p)A_(q)  II wherein M is a transition metal, L is thediphosphine compound of formula I; wherein X is a coordinating anionselected from. Cl, Br or I, m, n and p are each 1, with the proviso thata)q is 0, if M is Rh; or b) X is acyloxy m and n are each 1, p is 2, andc) q is 0, if M is Ru; or d) X is Cl, m and n are each 2, p is 4, q is1, and A is triethylamine, if M is Ru; or e) X is a π-methallyl group, mand n are each 1, p is 2, and q is 0, if M is Ru; or f) X is acoordinating anion selected from Cl, Br or I, m, n and p are each 1, andq is 0, if M is Ir; or g) X is Cl, m and n are each 1, p is 2, and q is0, if M is Pd; or h) X is Cl, Br or I, m and n are each 1, p is 2, and qis 0, if M is Ni.
 13. A Transition metal complexe of the formulaM_(m)L_(n)X_(p)A_(q)  II wherein M is Rh, L is the diphosphine compoundof formula I; and wherein X is a coordinating anion selected from. Cl,Br or I, m, n and p are each 1, and q is
 0. 14. A Metal complexe of theformula [M_(m)L_(n)X_(p)A_(q)]D_(r)  III wherein M is a transitionmetal, L is the diphosphine compound of formula I; wherein X is a dieneligand, D is a non-coordinating anion selected from BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆,SbF₆, CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF, m, n, p and r are each 1, with the provisothat a) q is 0, if M is Rh; or b) X is an olefinic ligand such as e.g.cyclooctene or ethylene, D is a non-coordinating anion selected fromBF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆, CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF, m, n and r are each 1, p is2 and q is 0, if M is Rh; or c) X is Cl, Br or I, A is benzene orp-cymene, D is Cl, Br or I, and m, n, p, q and r are each 1, if M is Ru;or d) D is a non-coordinating anion selected from BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆,CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF, m and n are each 1, p and q are each 0, and r is2, if M is Ru; or e) X is a diene ligand, D is a non-coordinating anionselected from. BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆, CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF, m, n, p andr are each 1, and q is 0, if M is Ir; or f) X is an olefinic ligand, Dis a non-coordinating anion selected from. BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆, CF₃SO₃,BPh₄, or BARF, m, p and r are each 1, n is 2 and q is 0, if M is Ir; org) X is a π-allyl group, D is a non-coordinating anion such as e.g. BF₄,ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆, CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF, m, n, p and r are each 1, and qis 0, if M is Pd.
 15. A Metal complexe of the formula[M_(m)L_(n)X_(p)A_(q)]D_(r)  III wherein M is Rh, L is the diphosphinecompound of formula I; and wherein a) X is a diene ligand, D is anon-coordinating anion selected from BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆, CF₃SO₃, BPh₄,or BARF, m, n, p and rare each 1, and q is 0; or b) X is an olefinicligand such as e.g. cyclooctene or ethylene, D is a non-coordinatinganion such as e.g. BF₄, ClO₄, PF₆, SbF₆, CF₃SO₃, BPh₄, or BARF, m, n andr are each 1, p is 2 and q is
 0. 16. A process for the asymmetrichydrogenation of a prochiral olefinic or ketonic compound comprisingcarrying out the hydrogenation in presence of metal complex of formulaII or III as defined in claims 12, 13, 14 or
 15. 17. A process for themanufacture of compounds of formula Ia, Ib, Ic and Id

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R^(4′), R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are as defined inclaim 1, which comprises the steps of 1) reacting phospholane boranecomplex 1 with a non-chiral or an optically active epoxide EP to producetrans-2-hydroxyethyl-phospholanes as a mixture of isomers 2a and 2b.

2) converting compounds of formula 2a and 2b to a mixture of sulfonatesof formula 3a and 3b

3) reacting compounds 3a and 3b with a phosphine R¹R²PH and thentreating with a borane delivering agent to produce the bis(borane)complex 4a and 4b.

4) deboronating the bis(borane) complex 4a and 4b with an amine toproduce the free 1,3-diphosphines Ia and Ib.

5) treating the trans-configurated diphosphines Ia and Ib at elevatedtemperatures in an organic solvent to obtain cis-configurateddiphosphines Ic and Id.


18. A process of claim 17, wherein the separation of the isomericcompounds a and b is carried out in any of the steps 1) to 5).
 19. Theprocess of claim 17 for the manufacture of compounds of formula Ia, Ib,Ic or Id

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R^(4′), R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are as defined inclaim 1, which comprises the steps of 1) reacting phospholane boranecomplex 1 with a non-chiral or an optically active epoxide EP to producetrans-2-hydroxyethyl-phospholanes as a mixture of isomers 2a and 2b;

2) converting compounds of formula 2a and 2b to a mixture of sulfonatesof formula 3a and 3b;

3) separating the mixture of compounds 3a and 3b to producediastereomerically and enantiomerically pure sulfonates 3a and 3b;

4) reacting compounds 3a and 3b separately with a phosphine R¹R²PH andthen treating with a borane delivering agent to produce the bis(borane)complex 4a or 4b;

5) deboronating the bis(borane) complex 4a or 4b with an amine toproduce the free 1,3-diphosphines Ia or Ib;

6) treating the trans-configurated diphosphines Ia or Ib at elevatedtemperatures in an organic solvent to obtain cis-configurateddiphosphines Ic or Id.


20. The process of claim 18, wherein the substituents R⁴ and R^(4′) arehydrogen and the separation of the isomeric compounds a and b is carriedout in step 1) by a method comprising an enzymatic resolution step. 21.A process for the manufacture of compounds of formula Ia, Ib, Ic and Id

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R^(4′), R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are as defined inclaim 1, which comprises as the steps of 1) reactingphospholane-1-sulfide 1′ with a non-chiral or an optically activeepoxide EP to produce trans-2-hydroxyethyl-phospholanes as a mixture ofisomers 2′a and 2′b;

2) separating the mixture of compounds 2′a and 2′b to producediastereomerically and enantiomerically enriched compound of 2′a and2′b;

3) converting separately compounds of formula 2′a and 2′b to sulfonatesof formula 3′a and 3′b;

4) reacting compounds 3′a and 3′b separately with a phosphine R¹R²PH andthen treating with a borane delivering agent to produce the boranecomplex 4′a or 4′b;

5) removing the sulfur group of the borane complex 4′a or 4′b with areducing agent and then treating with a borane delivering agent toproduce bis(borane) complex 4a or 4b;

6) deboronating the bis(borane) complex 4a or 4b with an amine toproduce the free 1,3-diphosphines Ia or Ib;

7) treating the trans-configurated diphosphines Ia or Ib at elevatedtemperatures in an organic solvent to obtain cis-configurateddiphosphines Ic or Id.


22. A process according to claim 21, wherein the separation of theisomeric compounds a and b is carried out in any of the steps 1 to 6.